Terry McLaurin’s contract situation has officially entered a new chapter as he heads into training camp without a deal in place. The Commanders’ star wide receiver chose not to report for the team’s conditioning test on Tuesday, marking the start of his holdout as he seeks a well-deserved contract extension. On Wednesday, Washington placed McLaurin on the reserve/did not report list, which further underscores the seriousness of his stance.
This holdout isn’t exactly a shocker; McLaurin had already voiced his frustrations earlier this month. In a candid moment on July 15, he shared his feelings about the ongoing contract negotiations, expressing disappointment with how things have unfolded. “Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here,” he stated plainly. With those words, McLaurin made it clear that he wants to remain with the Commanders but feels he deserves a more favorable deal.
Currently, McLaurin is in the final year of a three-year, $68.2 million extension he signed with Washington in 2022. While that’s a hefty sum, it significantly lags behind some of his contemporaries at the receiver position. In fact, he’s not even the highest-paid receiver on his own roster — offseason acquisition Deebo Samuel earns $650,000 more per year than McLaurin, a curious situation given McLaurin’s production.
To put things into perspective, McLaurin has delivered five consecutive seasons with over 1,000 receiving yards. That’s an impressive feat, especially when considering he’s managed to do so despite a revolving door of starting quarterbacks. In the previous season, McLaurin finished with the second-highest total of receiving touchdowns in the league, catching 13 passes in the end zone, just behind the league’s triple-crown winner, Ja’Marr Chase, who had 17. For a player who has consistently led the Commanders in receptions and receiving yards across all six seasons, this might be the time for him to demand a new contract.
As it stands, McLaurin is set to make $15.5 million in base salary, but with only $2.8 million of that guaranteed for 2025, the risks of playing under such terms are evident. Comparatively, Chase’s contract averages a staggering $40.25 million per year, drawing even more attention to McLaurin’s situation.
Looking ahead, McLaurin’s relationship with the Commanders’ offense, particularly with quarterback Jayden Daniels, cannot be overstated. The duo developed a strong connection last season, with their combination earning one of the highest passer ratings in the league among quarterback-receiver partnerships at 130.4. This synergy is essential for Washington’s offensive hopes, emphasizing just how critical McLaurin’s presence is to the team’s success.
His teammates seem to understand McLaurin’s position as well. Tight end Zach Ertz recently expressed his support, wishing McLaurin the best in his pursuit of a fair contract, though he preferred to keep discussions on the topic to a minimum.
As McLaurin continues to negotiate, the pressures mount not only for him but for the Commanders, who must weigh the implications of both his absence and the potential resolution of this dispute. In a league where every dollar and every play counts, this situation is one to watch closely as training camp unfolds.
