Quinn - McLaurin trade request normal business, not distraction - ESPN

ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders coach Dan Quinn said receiver Terry McLaurin's trade request is not a distraction, calling it a normal part of business in the NFL.

McLaurin requested a trade Thursday after talks on a contract extension continued to provide no momentum toward a deal. McLaurin is considered a hold-in and was placed on the physically unable to perform list after reporting on July 27. He held out for the first four days of camp.

Quinn said McLaurin informed him of his request before it went public.

«We love Terry and are really glad he's here and hope he's practicing soon,» Quinn said, «but I also understand the business side of things. That's what they're working through. I love coaching him.»

Quinn said he didn't need to address the situation with players to make sure it doesn't become a distraction.

«Players today are more aware of contracts than they used to be,» Quinn said. «They recognize that's the business part. For the team, we're just rocking. For Terry, the trade request, that's part of normal business that's happening around the NFL. We understand it.

»This group is tight and they're focused on what they have to do."

The sides have been far apart for a long time in their negotiations, according to multiple sources. Washington has been reluctant to pay a receiver top-of-the-market money when he'll be 31 as the extension begins.

McLaurin's counter is Pittsburgh Steelers receiver DK Metcalf, who signed a deal worth $32.5 million per year this offseason. They were in the same draft class and have comparable statistics, but Metcalf is two years younger.

McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year deal worth $68.4 million. He turns 30 in September.

Quinn said he is not surprised it has reached