The Washington Commanders were the feel-good story of the 2024 NFL season, winning 12 games and making it to the NFC Championship in a campaign that defied expectations. But as they head into 2025, there’s a cloud hanging over them, and it’s got nothing to do with their on-field performance. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the heart and soul of their offense, missed last week’s voluntary OTAs, sparking speculation about his absence. Quarterback Jayden Daniels, who’s been nothing short of spectacular, addressed it on Friday. “Me and Terry have a good relationship outside of football,” Daniels said, via a team transcript. “Obviously, he has to handle what he has to handle but that doesn’t change anything, the fact that he is part of our brotherhood. We know Terry is working and everything. We have to get better and he knows he has to get better each and every day.” It’s a vote of confidence, but the timing couldn’t be worse, with McLaurin in the final year of his contract and a $25.5 million cap hit looming.
McLaurin’s reliability is legendary. He’s never had fewer than 58 receptions or 900 receiving yards in a season, and 2024 marked his fifth straight year with 70+ catches and 1,000+ yards. That’s impressive, especially considering he’s never had a stable quarterback until Daniels came along. The Commanders are at a crossroads with McLaurin, and a new contract before the season starts could be the key to keeping the magic alive. But if they don’t, and McLaurin walks after 2025, it could be a blow they’re not ready for.
Now, here’s the kicker: two-time Super Bowl champion Damien Woody thinks the Commanders might take a step back in 2025, despite their offseason improvements. “Jayden Daniels could have a better season, but the Washington Commanders might take a step back,” Woody said. “I thought the Washington Commanders overachieved last year. Jayden Daniels was spectacular, no question about it. But if you look at the whole of the Washington Commanders, like really, they shouldn’t have been on the field with the Philadelphia Eagles last year.” Woody’s point is that the Commanders’ defense is underwhelming, and teams like the Los Angeles Rams are on the rise. “They actually might take a little bit of a step backward,” he concluded. “I think their defense is underwhelming, and some of these other NFC teams are on the come-up, the Rams, and some of these other teams. So watch, so Jayden Daniels could be better, but they might take a little bit of a step backward.”
It’s a harsh take, but not unfounded. The Commanders’ 2024 success was a surprise, and repeating it won’t be easy. They’ve got pieces—Daniels, McLaurin, and a roster that’s been bolstered by moves like trading for Laremy Tunsil and Deebo Samuel—but Woody’s warning is a reminder that the NFL’s a tough place. The Commanders will look to prove him wrong this fall, but with McLaurin’s contract situation and defensive questions, it’s a tall order. For now, though, it’s all about getting McLaurin back in the fold and hoping Daniels can work his magic again. The stage is set, and the Commanders are ready to fight, but Woody’s words are lingering. Stay tuned, because this season could be a defining one for Washington, and the stakes couldn’t be higher.
