Commanders still seeking new contract with disgruntled star

Terry McLaurin has been the Washington Commanders’ top wide receiver since he burst onto the scene as a third-round pick in 2019. 

With five 1,000-yard campaigns in the last five years, “Scary Terry” has proved his worth as a premier pass-catcher. McLaurin played an integral role in leading Washington’s offense back to prominence, notching a second-team All-Pro nod in 2024. 

So while the Commanders have no doubts about McLaurin’s talent, the fact that the former Ohio State Buckeye is pushing 30 with just one year remaining on his contract has given the franchise a reason to pause extension talks.

McLaurin is set to make a base salary of $15 million in the final year of his current deal, but is believed to be seeking an extension worth north of $30 million annually. The two sides failed to come to an agreement earlier in the offseason, though, prompting the talented receiver to request a trade. 

At that point, it seemed as if McLaurin would be dealt to a new team. But the Commanders quickly realized they couldn’t allow their longest-tenured skill player to leave for pennies on the dollar.

Despite McLaurin’s public trade request, Washington is still looking to mend the situation, according to ESPN’s Dan Graziano. 

“The Commanders do not intend to trade him, according to the people I’ve spoken to there, and they say they continue to work toward a contract extension,” the veteran sports journalist reported.

After winning the first playoff matchup of his career against the Buccaneers in the wild card before upsetting the Detroit Lions in the divisional round last season, McLaurin has less of a reason than ever before to leave Washington. He battled through several of the franchise’s toughest seasons and now has the opportunity to catch passes from one of the NFL’s most intriguing young arms in Jayden Daniels for years to come if he wants.

It’s understandable why McLaurin desires a massive payday, especially after making less than $1 million annually throughout his base rookie contract. After years of sustained excellence, though, he won’t have to worry about a salary increase. He’ll easily garner $30 million a year, give or take a couple of million dollars.

McLaurin may not receive a deal that places him alongside the likes of Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson, but neither he nor the Commanders should spend much time squabbling over a few million. With the team shaping up to be a bona fide playoff contender for the foreseeable future, Washington remains the best home for McLaurin.