After a testy months-long stalemate, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders have agreed to a three-year $96 million contract extension. This deal, which includes a $30 million signing bonus, makes McLaurin the sixth highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL, tying the Philadelphia Eagles’ A.J. Brown ($32). It also ensures that franchise quarterback Jayden Daniels has his number one receiver for the immediate future.
McLaurin had a year remaining on his existing contract, a three-year deal worth $70 million. He no longer felt that his pay was commiserate with his play. He accurately pointed out that his previous contract of $22.79 million a year positioned him as the 19th-highest-paid wideout in the league.
McLaurin Has Been a Star
Since coming out of Ohio State as a third-round draft pick of Washington in 2019, McLaurin has been one of the most productive players in the league. He already ranks fifth in receptions (460) and sixth in receiving yards (6,379) in team history. He has snared 38 touchdown receptions, was named a second-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro after a spectacular 2024-25 season. Last year, he tallied 86 catches, garnered 1,096 receiving yards, and 13 touchdown receptions, which set a franchise season record.
And perhaps more importantly, he has been a voice of reason and a calming presence for a team that during his career has gone through two name changes, two owners, four head coaches, four offensive coordinators, and 11 quarterbacks. New York Giants coach Brian Daboll had this to say about McLaurin:
“He’s a heck of a player: dynamic. He makes a lot of plays, explosive, run after the catch. He was very productive last year with Jayden — productive before that, but even more so when you’ve got ‘5’ with him.”
And about his pre-draft interview in 2019.
“He was just a genuine guy, very down to earth, very respectful, very smart. He was productive there at Ohio State. Just had a good vibe with him at the dinner that we had.”
Difficult Negotiations
The discussions between McLaurin, his agent, and the Commanders turned acrimonious at times, with the receiver at one point asking for a trade. But both sides stayed engaged in the negotiations, discussions that included Washington’s legendary quarterback Joe Theisman, advocating for McLaurin. One sticking point in the talks was the team’s reticence to sign an extended contract with a receiver who turns 30 on Sept. 15. But all is happy in Commanderland today, as summed up by co-owner Magic Johnson after the signing.
“Job well done by my partner Josh Harris and GM Adam Peters, Terry is more than just a great football player, he is an outstanding leader and does tremendous things in the (Washington area) community.”
What’s Next
First and foremost, McLaurin has to get into game shape. He was activated off the Physically Unable to Play (PUP) list only a month ago and has not played a single snap in the midst of his “hold in’ this season. But quarterback Daniels cannot wait to get his go-to guy back in the lineup, especially now that he will be paired with the multi-talented ex-San Francisco 49er Deebo Samuel.
