One of Washington’s biggest offensive weapons is in controversial territory as the 2025 season approaches. While teammates prepare for the upcoming campaign, Terry McLaurin was absent from practice and preseason action, caught in a contract standoff that has fans increasingly worried about the team’s offensive chemistry.
Why Has Terry McLaurin Been Absent From Commanders Practices?
Despite participating in offseason team workouts, McLaurin has been holding out over his frustration with the lack of progress on a new contract extension. The star receiver has even requested a trade as the situation drags on.
McLaurin, who has one season remaining on the three-year, $68 million contract extension he signed with Washington in 2022, represents a massive hole in the Commanders’ offense. Currently, he’s listed on their active/physically unable to perform list for an ankle injury, though the contract dispute appears to be the primary factor keeping him off the field.
The absence creates significant challenges for an offense trying to build on a remarkable first year with Jayden Daniels. Commanders’ offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury recently addressed the ongoing situation, revealing limited communication with the star receiver while dropping a major hint that he wants the contract dispute resolved.
“There hasn’t been a ton of contact with him,” Kingsbury said. “He’s been here, but he’s been working with trainers, so until he gets back on the grass, that’s when we’ll start building that back up.”
Kingsbury emphasized the importance of on-field practice time for developing offensive cohesion. “I’m huge on walkthroughs, on practice, things like that, because until you get on the grass and actually do it and feel the timing, feel the depths, the routes and things of that nature, I don’t know exactly how much you can get out of that,” he continued.
“So, I think we’re kind of at that point to where we need to start getting those guys, when they’re available, out there and jelling and seeing where we are as an offense.”
Kingsbury’s comments suggest the coaching staff recognizes the urgency of resolving the situation, particularly as the regular season approaches.
What Are Commanders Fans Saying About The Contract Standoff?
In response to Kingsbury’s comments, Commanders fans have begun voicing concern that if and when McLaurin’s contract dispute ends, he could return to the field in less-than-ideal shape after missing crucial practice time.
One fan said that Kingsbury would be better off talking to general manager Adam Peters:
He should talk to Adam Peters.
— – AB – (@ABinVienna) August 15, 2025
One Commanders fan appreciated what Kinsbury had to say, noting that McLaurin is still under contract.
Good. Someone needs to start saying something. HE’S UNDER CONTRACT and TEAM CONTROL FOR 2 YEARS
— Jeremy (@D0dgew0rm) August 15, 2025
This fan voiced concern that the offense would look “rusty”.
Terry gonna have the offense rusty
— MIKEVP 2D.C (@BeastMo50500380) August 15, 2025
Speaking of “rusty”, this fan shared the same concern, saying, “Man we gna be so rusty come opening day even if Terry out there if they dnt get this crap done with. Not tryna go 1-3 and lose to teams we should be beating before we start clicking. Make a move at this point, get the deal done or move on.”
Another fan recognized the urgency and wrote, “Kliff basically saying Terry needs to get some real reps asap.”
The Commanders and McLaurin will seek to resolve their differences as quickly as possible, as he represents one of the most integral parts of their offensive attack. His production and leadership make him irreplaceable in Washington’s offensive scheme.
McLaurin, who was selected with the 76th pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Ohio State University, has amassed an impressive 6,379 receiving yards while hauling in 460 receptions during his professional career. Throughout his NFL journey, he has earned a pair of Pro Bowl nominations in 2022 and 2024, while also being named Second Team All-Pro in 2024.
