The Washington Commanders are having plenty of issues to talk about on their next front office meetings. One of those topics is what they need to do with Terry McLaurin‘s contract dispute as Jayden Daniels‘ best weapon just handed the team a trade request. The other topic to discuss is what they will do with their new stadium project.

The Commanders and the D.C. Mayor Muriel Bowser had a deal for a new facility at the site of RFK Stadium. The team wanted the D.C. Council to approve the agreement before July 15. However, after the deadline passed, the issue could linger into September or even further.

Nevertheless, the D.C. Council was due to vote today. It is a $3.7 billion project to build a new stadium with a mixed-use development. The vote had nine in favor and three against the project. The Commanders agreed to guarantee more union jobs, develop the project, back local trades, and many more social investments. There will be a second and final vote in September. If all goes well, the project might be on a fast track to start.

There’s not that much positivity on the gridiron

While the RFK Stadium project is looking like everything will go well, the team is dealing with a big-time problem. Terry McLaurin, the team’s best wide receiver, just requested a trade to leave the team.

Jayden Daniels #5 of the Washington Commanders warms up prior to the NFC Championship Game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Lincoln Financial Field on January 26, 2025 in Philadelphia, Pennsylvania.

This is bad news as the wideout market is not precisely overflowing with opportunities. McLaurin was key to Jayden Daniels‘ stellar rookie season, so if the team lets him leave, they will owe their quarterback a big-time weapon.

The Commanders are trying to build something special

Besides the RFK Stadium, which would be a special sight to behold, the Commanders are also trying to build a culture and a new era. They are not the highest-regarded NFL franchise by any means, but they are on the verge of rebuilding. With Daniels as their quarterback, they have a signal-caller for the next 15 years.

Now, the team is trying to build around him to get the all-elusive Super Bowl ring. However, retaining McLaurin should be a priority unless the team has an ace under its sleeve. Dan Quinn did a great job his first year as the head coach and Kliff Kingsbury’s reputation is taking massive steps towards salvation as he made an overall great scheme as the offensive coordinator of the team. New culture breeds change, and the Commanders are on a quest to become a powerhouse.