Will Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Get the Contract His All-Pro Play Commands?
Published Jul. 16, 2025 4:16 p.m. ET
By Greg Auman, NFL Reporter
The NFL receiver market has seen significant growth over the past three years, and Terry McLaurin is eager to keep pace. When McLaurin signed an extension in 2022, he secured a three-year deal worth $68 million. This was commendable compensation for a player who had been consistent in his first three years but had not made it to the Pro Bowl. Since then, the value of receivers has skyrocketed, particularly this offseason, highlighted by Cincinnati’s Ja’Marr Chase signing for over $40 million a year and the Jets’ Garrett Wilson securing a four-year extension worth $130 million.
With his 30th birthday approaching in September and one year remaining on his current contract, McLaurin expressed his dissatisfaction on Tuesday about the lack of progress on a new deal with Washington. Coming off an outstanding season where he caught 13 touchdown passes—almost doubling his career best—McLaurin has showcased his talent after five years of playing with inconsistent quarterbacks like Sam Howell, Carson Wentz, and Taylor Heinicke. He particularly thrived alongside breakout rookie Jayden Daniels.
McLaurin’s Achievements
Terry McLaurin ranked second in the NFL last season with a career-high 13 touchdown receptions while playing with QB Jayden Daniels. “At the end of the day, based on what top receivers are earning in today’s NFL, I feel like I deserve that,” McLaurin remarked. “I believe my performance reflects that, not just in this current receiver signing cycle but also from last year. I know I belong in that category deliver in tagalog. Now, it’s about determining if it makes sense for both myself and the team jili fun.”
If McLaurin plays out the remainder of this contract, he will become one of the most sought-after free agents at any position next spring. Spotrac has assessed his market value at $31 million annually. McLaurin wishes to remain in Washington and aims to play this season with the financial security of a new contract. This would provide him with the guaranteed money that comes from a deal instead of risking injury that could affect his free agency prospects. Over the past five seasons, McLaurin has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards each year, only falling short in his rookie season in 2019 due to a concussion that limited him to 919 yards. He is now among the elite six receivers to achieve over 900 yards in their first six seasons, joining legends like Jerry Rice, Randy Moss, Mike Evans, A.J. Green, and DK Metcalf.
Contract Comparisons
The most relevant comparisons for McLaurin are two other receivers from the 2019 draft class who have recorded more touchdowns: the Eagles’ A betso88 link login.J. Brown and the Steelers’ DK Metcalf. Neither player is still with the team that drafted them, yet both command significantly higher salaries than McLaurin. Brown plays under a three-year, $96 million deal for the 2027-29 seasons, while Metcalf has a four-year, $132 million contract through 2026-29. This upcoming season, McLaurin will earn $19.65 million in total compensation under his existing deal, with potential new money starting only next season.
So, what’s holding Washington back from extending McLaurin? It seems like an obvious decision to reward a player who has remained with the Commanders during some difficult years. Last season marked the first time in McLaurin’s six-year tenure that the team boasted a winning record www.taya365.con. His rapport with Daniels was immediate and played a crucial role in the rookie’s success. Securing McLaurin now would protect the Commanders from the potential costs of retaining him if he enjoys another record-breaking season with 13 touchdowns and the team embarks on another deep playoff run.
Future Considerations
However, McLaurin isn’t the only prominent free-agent receiver for Washington next spring. The team traded for Deebo Samuel this offseason, and while he may not outshine McLaurin this fall, there’s a risk that if one receiver earns a lucrative contract, the other might produce more. It’s a situation Washington would prefer to navigate if McLaurin isn’t its most productive receiver come season’s end.
Last season’s strong finish could be a foundation for the Commanders moving forward. They kicked off the season at 7-5, then clinched five consecutive regular-season victories, followed by playoff wins against the Bucs and Lions, before succumbing to the Eagles in the conference championship. There’s newfound excitement heading into Dan Quinn’s second season, with many viewing Washington as a formidable challenger in the NFC against the Eagles and Lions. Yet, amid all this, one of their star players is openly frustrated and considering skipping training camp next week.
“Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating,” McLaurin stated. “I want to continue my career here. jljl3 app I’ve established my life here, having bought our first home. This is the place I’ve always wanted to be, and seeing how things have unfolded has been disheartening. I understand that it’s a business, but I want to be in a position where I feel valued and appreciated. Unfortunately, that hasn’t materialized as I hoped.”
As it stands, McLaurin is the 17th-highest-paid receiver in the league, playing on a three-year-old contract. He finished fourth in last year’s AP All-Pro voting among receivers, outperforming the likes of Brown and the Cowboys’ CeeDee Lamb, who just signed an extension worth $34 million per year. With a quarterback on a rookie contract, Washington holds the sixth-most cap space for 2026, providing ample room to negotiate a new deal for McLaurin.
The Future for McLaurin
McLaurin’s situation is reminiscent of Mike Evans’ experience with the Bucs two years prior when he entered the final year of an old, underpaying contract. Evans had to complete his deal before re-signing with the Bucs just as free agency commenced in the spring of 2024. Will McLaurin find himself in a similar position? If the team opts to wait until the end of the season and risks losing him to free agency, the Commanders will need to hope that the surrounding drama doesn’t tarnish what could be a championship-caliber season. If McLaurin’s performance in 2025 mirrors that of 2024, he is set to become a $30-million-a-year receiver. Can he persuade Washington to recognize his loyalty and worth before his current contract expires?
If the answer is no, there’s a chance McLaurin could end up signing a lucrative contract elsewhere.
What are your thoughts on Terry McLaurin’s situation with the Commanders?