There is major risk involved in signing McLaurin, who turns 30 this September, to a long-term contract extension.
Is it smart to commit big money and multiple years to a player entering his 30s, no matter how respected he is in the locker room? Angering or losing a fan favorite can spark backlash, but teams that prioritize emotion over economics often end up paying for past performance at the expense of future flexibility.
Viewed purely through a football business lens, there is a strong case against the Commanders giving McLaurin a big-money contract extension.
Wideouts age 30 or older tend to decline
Especially for wide receivers who play primarily on the outside like McLaurin, reaching age 30 is rarely the beginning of anything.