The Washington Commanders are in the same position with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin as they were three years ago at this time. McLaurin, entering the final year of his contract, is due a raise and sat out Phase 3 of the offseason program as the two sides work toward a new contract.
Some things are much different, though. First, general manager Adam Peters, head coach Dan Quinn, owner Josh Harris and quarterback Jayden Daniels are all in place now. Things were vastly different three years ago. McLaurin went over 1,000 yards receiving for the fifth consecutive season in 2024 and caught a career-high 13 touchdown passes and added three more in the playoffs.
Of course, the market has changed, with other receivers getting paid. It’s now McLaurin’s turn. NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported Thursday that McLaurin was “frustrated” with the lack of progress on a new long-term deal.
Another NFL insider, Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated, spoke further about the negotiations between McLaurin and the Commanders, calling them “bumpy.”
“I don’t think it’s in a great place right now,” Breer told 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C. on Thursday. “If you ask me where this is, and I think it’s just sort of…….I hate to say normal course of things, but I do think to some degree these things do get bumpy, and I think they’ve gotten bumpier as the market’s exploded over the last couple of years, with the cap going up as fast as it has. So, if you’re Terry McLaurin, I think you look at it, and you’re saying, ‘don’t even come at me with anything that doesn’t start with a three.'”
Breer is referring to the $30 million mark, which several receivers have surpassed since McLaurin signed his last deal in 2022.
“I think it’s fair of him to ask for something in that range, just based on where the market’s gone,” Breer continued. “Obviously, last year, Justin Jefferson gets 35 (million), and CeeDee Lamb gets 34, but I’d say the real comp is probably DK Metcalf, who gets traded to Pittsburgh, and he gets 33 per year on a four-year deal. I think those comps are out there, and I think they will eventually get something done. Terry is too important to what they’ve built there, but sometimes do things get a little messy along the way and I think that’s where we are right now.”
Breer is right. McLaurin is too important for Washington to let this go on for much longer. Not only is he quarterback Jayden Daniels’ top target, but he’s also one of the team’s leaders. Coaches and players count on McLaurin.
A new deal will get done, likely before training camp.
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