Washington Commanders Mailbag: Biggest surprise of training camp so far and Terry McLaurin’s contract situation

With the Washington Commanders taking a break from training camp with a day off on Wednesday, I figured it would be a good time to catch up and answer the questions Commanders fans have right now. The biggest surprise I’ve seen from the training camp practices I’ve attended so far has to be how polished […]

Josh Taylor — Washington Commanders News Writer
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Abdullah Konta @Dullah_Vision: Washington Informer

With the Washington Commanders taking a break from training camp with a day off on Wednesday, I figured it would be a good time to catch up and answer the questions Commanders fans have right now.


The biggest surprise I’ve seen from the training camp practices I’ve attended so far has to be how polished Jaylin Lane looks already. I think he’s a day one impact type of player on special teams and with the offense. Javon Kinlaw’s size also took me by surprise. He’s an absolute UNIT, and he was moving well in practice. I can’t wait to see him hit another team with pads on.

I don’t see him being a starter this season unless Brian Robinson Jr. gets hurt, but I think by midseason, he’s the second option in a rotation similar to what the Detroit Lions do with Jahmyr Gibbs and David Montgomery. Croskey-Merritt brings an elusiveness and speed that’s missing in the Commanders’ backfield. They won’t be able to take him off the field if he can pass protect as well.

I think the top three guys on special teams returns will be Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and Deebo Samuel. Adam Peters called Lane the best punt returner in the draft, and he’s going to start there for Week 1, in my opinion. Samuel has been getting a lot of work on returns at practice, and I wouldn’t be surprised if they roll out with him and McCaffrey for kick returns. They have real options now.

A nonstarter from last year that will take a major jump has to be LB Jordan Magee. They’re ready for him to take off, and he’s looked good already. Bobby Wagner is best when he’s fresh and doesn’t need to play 100% of snaps. Magee can come in and do everything well.

I honestly haven’t seen a weakness on the team yet, but it’s early, and I’m sure I’ll notice something with the joint practices and preseason games starting up. The worries I did have seem to be fixed for now. The depth for me looks to be the cornerback room with Noah Igbinoghene and Jonathan Jones as backups. UDFA Car’lin Vigers looks solid so far as well.

I don’t see a 4-year extension for Terry McLaurin. I think that’s too long for what the team wants. My personal opinion is that it’ll be a 3-year extension worth $31 million per year. I think the Sutton deal helps both sides see the realistic market for McLaurin and hopefully speeds the process up. The Commanders should front-load the first year or two with guarantees while he’s still performing at a high level. Probably $57-$59 million in total guaranteed.

Last season, Johnny Newton played 47.55% of snaps on defense last season and I think that goes up to roughly 65% even with the addition of Javon Kinlaw. The truth is, this is the make-or-break season for Daron Payne, and Newton is going to become the next man up on the interior. He’s finally getting a full offseason to be ready for the season, which he didn’t get last year due to his foot injury.

I think it’s way too early to have a real impression on any of the offensive linemen right now. There’s only been one padded practice, and you can only do so much right now. However, rookie Josh Conerly Jr looks great with his movement and agility to pull and get out in space. I’m looking forward to seeing him put pads on at joint practices against some studs on the New England Patriots and Baltimore Ravens.

This depends on what you want to call WR3, but I think Jaylin Lane is the starter in the slot for Week 1. I do believe veteran Noah Brown is the third-best wide receiver on the team right now, and he looks really good in training camp. He’s not just a Hail Mary WR by any means. He will be a big option for Jayden Daniels.

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