Terry McLaurin Signs Extension with the Commanders
The Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin have reached an agreement on a three-year contract extension, worth up to $96 million. This agreement ends McLaurin’s holdout and secures his participation in the regular season opener against the Giants. The agreement includes a $30 million signing bonus for McLaurin. Negotiations between McLaurin and the Commanders’ management had been tense at the beginning of the offseason, due to the player’s valuation. With this agreement, the Commanders ensure the continuity of their most consistent offensive player since he was selected in the third round of the 2019 draft. McLaurin, after his second Pro Bowl appearance, has surpassed 1,000 yards in five consecutive seasons.After reporting, McLaurin was placed on the physically unable to play list due to an ankle injury that, according to the team, occurred at the end of the season. He was able to participate in voluntary workouts in the spring before missing OTA practice and minicamp. He was activated from the PUP list on August 16. McLaurin requested a transfer on July 31, but Washington did not consider that option. According to multiple reports, the name most mentioned as a reference for McLaurin’s wishes was that of Steelers receiver DK Metcalf. After acquiring him, the Steelers gave Metcalf a four-year contract for $33 million per year, with $60 million guaranteed. McLaurin’s age was a factor for Washington, as he will turn 31 when the extension begins, an age at which receivers usually begin to decline. The Commanders place a lot of importance on analytics. Of the 24 active receivers with the most guaranteed money, only one, Tyreek Hill of the Dolphins, was 30 or older when he signed. Washington also wanted to avoid the precedent of what it considered an overpayment to retain a player, as several key players are on the list for expensive extensions or new deals next offseason: tackle Laremy Tunsil, linebacker Frankie Luvu, and potentially, cornerback Marshon Lattimore and receiver Deebo Samuel. By retaining McLaurin beyond this season, the Commanders give quarterback Jayden Daniels his favorite target at the start of the season. The two players developed a strong connection in camp last season, which continued in 2024, when McLaurin finished with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards. His 13 touchdowns were one less than his total in his previous three years combined. Daniels recorded a Total QBR of 90.6 (out of 100) when targeting McLaurin. Of his 12 passes that gained 30 or more yards by the receivers, six were to McLaurin.McLaurin expressed his frustration during a press conference on July 15. He didn’t show up for camp a week later and was fined for missing the first four days, totaling $200,000. He had already been fined $104,768 for missing the mandatory three-day minicamp in June.
…
