The 2024 Washington Commanders had a turnaround unlike any other, but it seems they’re not interested in continuing their momentum. Superstar wide receiver Terry McLaurin wants a new contract with the team. With every passing day, it seems their relationship is getting worse, so what’s the holdup?
The Commanders are making a horrible mistake by letting McLaurin slip through their fingers. While it seems negotiations are ongoing, the fire hasn’t died down at all. Why are the Commanders falling back into their old, bad habits?
During the spring, McLaurin publicly made it known that he was seeking a new contract from the Commanders. He’s entering the final season of his three-year deal, and he believes he deserves more.
McLaurin’s currently under a three-year $68 million deal. His average annual salary is $22 million, but compared to other big-time receivers, his paychecks look smaller.
Ja’Marr Chase is the highest-paid receiver in the league, averaging $40 million a year. Justin Jefferson and CeeDee Lamb follow behind him, averaging $35 million and $34 million, respectively. Continuing down the list are D.K. Metcalf, Garrett Wilson, A.J. Brown, and Amon-Ra St. Brown.
St. Brown averages $30 million a year, and he ended 2024 with 115 receptions, 1,263 receiving yards, and 12 touchdowns. Compare that to McLaurin’s 117 receptions, 1,096 yards, and 13 touchdowns. It’s also easy to forget that he’s had five straight 1,000-yard seasons, and his 13 touchdowns in 2024 were a career high.
It’s no secret that McLaurin belongs in the upper echelon of receivers, considering the carousel of quarterbacks he’s worked with; it’s unreal what he’s achieved. He’s a top 10 receiver, and he should be paid like one.
Moving on to the team surrounding McLaurin, the Commanders are finally legitimate. 2024 second overall Draft pick Jayden Daniels is a stud, and his connection with Scary Terry is special. The 24-year-old QB threw for 3,568 yards, along with 25 touchdowns and nine interceptions en route to a 12-5 season. He went on to win NFL Offensive Rookie of the Year.
In his six NFL seasons, McLaurin has caught passes from Case Keenum, Dwayne Haskins, Colt McCoy, Alex Smith, Kyle Allen, Taylor Heinicke, Garrett Gilbert, Ryan Fitzpatrick, Carson Wentz, and Sam Howell. Despite some of these QBs being extremely talented, their time in Washington was short.
The Commanders quickly proved themselves a threat to the NFC. After a 12-5 season, they went on to the playoffs to defeat the Tampa Bay Buccaneers and the juggernaut Detroit Lions. The arrival of Daniels was a sea change for Washington, and McLaurin’s stat sheet reflected that.
The Commanders made some huge moves over the offseason. They acquired offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and wide receiver Deebo Samuel. They also brought in Von Miller and Javon Kinlaw to strengthen their defensive front.
Washington’s roster has arguably gotten better since 2024. They’ve improved where it was necessary, and they added depth to other areas. McLaurin is the biggest name on the team, and that’s a fact.
The Commanders don’t have an extremely high salary cap, so their attempts to kick the can are almost understandable. They sit around $21 million right now, and still have to plan for the future.
McLaurin is 30 years old, but entering his seventh season, he’s as good as he’s ever been. Samuel is a solid player, but he’s not a number one receiver at this juncture.
The Commanders are in active talks with McLaurin, but it seems both sides are still far apart. What makes matters worse is the way the situation has been handled.
There have been reports that McLaurin is “frustrated”. The Commanders recently put out a post congratulating Commanders players who got married over the offseason, and left McLaurin out of it. He was married in February of this year, and fans were quick to point that out.
With training camp set to start soon, the clock is ticking on these two striking a deal before this gets worse.
Terry McLaurin is a top receiver in the NFL, and his numbers speak for themselves. The Commanders are on the verge of losing a megastar, and every day that passes makes them look worse. There are reports that McLaurin could be signed as early as Monday. Regardless of whether this gets done, the franchise looks silly for not closing the deal sooner.
It’s a dangerous game trying to avoid paying a player. The Commanders don’t seem ready to acknowledge the growing receiver market, and Scary Terry isn’t happy about it. It’s time the franchise gets it together so they can continue their tremendous momentum from last year.
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