At times, Washington Commanders GM Adam Peters found himself more concerned about a contract agreement being finalized between the Commanders and Terry McLaurin.

Talking with the media on Wednesday, Peters found himself thinking that it “could get done tomorrow or this could not get done and linger into the season.”

Yet, Peters said the conversations with Terry’s agent, Buddy Baker, and then the conversations he had with McLaurin, led to a lot more optimism as they got closer to an agreement. Peters said he realized he didn’t want to become too optimistic or pessimistic, but he did find himself feeling better as time drew closer.

This might be Peters’s first major contract dispute since becoming general manager of an NFL team, but perhaps we shouldn’t forget that he successfully led and executed a contract extension in 2024 with guard Sam Cosmi.

One thing is clear: Peters understands his job regarding player contracts. Peters was clear with the media, “You gotta do what’s best for the team but also reward somebody for being a great player.”

Notice the order. Peters understands this was never about simply giving a popular player what he wants, because he has been a good player. He talked of setting parameters first for the team, and then he was “trying to figure out what the right number was.”

He also expressed that he understands he can’t be a cold machine in his negotiations.

“I think as long as you come and you’re respectful throughout the process and you understand you’re probably going to give in a little bit more – really both sides giving in a little bit more than you want, come into a place where it’s maybe slightly uncomfortable, both sides. And you really just never lose perspective of what this person means to our locker room, to our team, and to this community.”

Peters didn’t say it on Wednesday, but McLaurin had no leverage in this whatsoever. He was already under contract for a low number in 2025. Peters also was not giving a long-term deal like you see in MLB, where owners repeatedly surrender foolish contracts to aging players, though production will inevitably decrease during the years of the that contract.

Consequently, Peters displayed a heart in moving up McLaurin’s numbers considerably for this season. And McLaurin does get to receive a guarantee of $44 million. Peters didn’t lose sight of his job to do what is best for the future of the Commanders. He also stressed, “You get optimistic, pessimistic, all those different things throughout the process but what we never lost was our love and respect and really admiration for Terry and what he does for us on and off the field.”

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders GM Adam Peters will do right by the team first