The standoff between the Washington Commanders and their star wide receiver Terry McLaurin is heating up as the Pro Bowler pushes for a long-term contract ahead of the 2025 season. After what many consider the best year of his career, McLaurin’s absence from mandatory minicamp in June has raised eyebrows, signaling unresolved contract negotiations as he enters the last year of his current deal. In the midst of these swirling trade rumors, one prominent voice has stepped forward to advocate for the franchise’s future.
Joe Theismann, the legendary former quarterback who led the Commanders to their first Super Bowl victory in 1982, has urged the team to act decisively. Speaking on the Up & Adams Show, he expressed concern about the prospect of McLaurin leaving Washington. “That would be a major problem for all of us that appreciate what the Commanders have done, what Terry has done,” Theismann emphasized. He highlighted McLaurin’s intangibles and influence on the team, stating that they outweigh even his considerable talent.
As contract discussions continue, McLaurin is reportedly eyeing a deal in the vicinity of $30 million per year, placing him among the top earners at his position. Currently, only a select few wide receivers—just eight, according to Over The Cap—command such salaries, underscoring the premium his camp is negotiating for.
Theismann was unequivocal in his support for McLaurin, insisting, “He needs to be paid. He needs to be paid right away. We need to put this issue behind us as a football team. He is one of the leaders. And he’s a guy that you can always count on. You can always count on him in practice, you can always count on him in a game.”
Since being drafted out of Ohio State in 2019, McLaurin has been nothing short of exceptional, recording five consecutive 1,000-yard receiving seasons—a franchise first for the Commanders. In the 2024 season alone, he racked up 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, earning his first second-team All-Pro nod and his second Pro Bowl selection. It’s worth noting his durability, having missed just three games in six seasons and starting every game for the last four years.
Theismann also praised McLaurin’s athleticism, stating, “He’s faster than people think.” Drawing a comparison to the legendary Jerry Rice, he remarked that while McLaurin may not attract the same level of publicity or hype, he stands shoulder to shoulder with the best in the league. “I would put him up against anybody that plays wide receiver in the National Football League. I don’t care who it is. I don’t care how fast you are, I don’t care how tough you think you are, he encompasses it all.” Theismann concluded with a strong call for action: “That’s a deal that must get done and must get done soon.”
Remarkably, McLaurin has maintained his status as a reliable target despite a revolving door at quarterback, having played with 11 different starters since 2019. His impressive career-high catch rate of 70.4% last season is a testament to his skill and adaptability. As the Commanders navigate this critical moment, securing McLaurin’s future with the franchise could be pivotal not only for the team but for the trajectory of the 2025 season and beyond.
