The Washington Commanders and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin have been contentious enough that he has requested a trade. He’s sat out mini-camp, and his holdout dragged on for four days before he reported after having to pay fines of $50,000 per day.
Upon arrival, McLaurin was placed on the physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury. But his frustration stems from something more profound: money. McLaurin wants a raise after watching other receivers cash in, like DK Metcalf, who signed a deal with the Steelers worth $33 million per year. His current contract pays him an average of $22.8 million annually, ranking him just 18th among NFL wideouts.
Jayden Daniels Hopes for a Resolution to Terry McLaurin Contract Standoff
McLaurin signed a three-year extension in 2022. But after a monster season in 2024 and building near-instant chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, he feels underpaid relative to the current market.
For his part, Daniels wants McLaurin to heal up as fast as he can and stay with the team for the long haul.
“I control what I can control,” Daniels told Evan Washburn on NFL on CBS. “I know one day 17 will be running out here and hopefully soon, but I can’t control what he has going on with his business, so you know, the front office stuff like that.”
“I know one day 17 will be running out here — and hopefully soon.”
Jayden Daniels on Terry McLaurin.@EvanWashburn pic.twitter.com/buzQzMLT0c
— NFL on CBS 🏈 (@NFLonCBS) August 4, 2025
In the meantime, Daniels can only focus on what he can control on the field and himself.
“I gotta go out there and try to be the best version of myself each and every day,” Daniels said. “I just hope one day this is resolved and 17 is back out here catching passes.”
Daniels and McLaurin developed chemistry instantly in 2024. Ryan Fowler found that the two had the highest passer rating (140.0) of a QB-pass catcher duo since Tom Brad and Rob Gronkowski in 2012 (140.1) among combinations with at least 75 targets.
Wild stat.
Jayden Daniels & Terry McLaurin (140.0) have the highest passer rating among QB-pass catcher duos in a single season since Brady-Gronkowski in 2012 (140.1), among duos with at least 75 targets, per NGS.
Historic year in DC.
— Ryan Fowler (@_RyanFowler_) December 27, 2024
Washington knows they have a potent duo in Daniels and McLaurin, and traded for wide receiver Deebo Samuel to bolster the wide receiver group further.
The Commanders are coming off a surprising year that has given a forlorn fan base hope for the first time since Robert Griffith III’s rookie year. However, McLaurin’s 13 touchdown catches highlighted his importance to the team.
KEEP READING: NFL Analyst Argues ‘Underpaid’ Terry McLaurin Deserves Contract Extension Over Cowboys’ Micah Parsons
The Commanders had a smaller margin for error in 2024 than evidenced by their surprisingly deep playoff run. They were 6-4 in one-score games and relied on Daniels for several last-second wins.
Holding on to proven stars like McLaurin could help the Commanders be more consistent and not need to rely on late-game heroics.
