The Washington Commanders are looking to build on what was an incredible 2024 season for the team. Rooke quarterback Jayden Daniels’ combination of explosiveness and poise helped the Commanders to a 12-5 record and an NFC Championship Game appearance.
Daniels arguably made his biggest impact with his legs, but his connection with the team’s star receiver, Terry McLaurin, proved pivotal in some of the biggest moments. That partnership could now be under threat, though, as McLaurin faces a potential contract standoff with the team.
Terry McLaurin’s Washington Future Uncertain Amid Contract Concerns
At a time when all appears well in Washington, McLaurin has rocked the boat by leaving the team’s voluntary workouts early. The receiver is in search of a new contract, with one year remaining on his current deal.
McLaurin is the 16th-highest-paid wide receiver in the NFL in terms of yearly average, behind underperforming players such as Jaylen Waddle and Michael Pittman Jr.
Jordan Schultz of the Schultz Report had the story up on his X account on Thursday, June 5.
Sources: #Commanders All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin has made it clear to the team that he’s frustrated with the lack of progress on a long-term deal. As I previously reported, McLaurin unexpectedly left voluntary workouts after initially attending, and it remains to be seen whether… pic.twitter.com/5lUXbe8dxe
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) June 5, 2025
McLaurin finished 12th among wide receivers in receiving yards last season and second in touchdown receptions. He also posted a touchdown catch in all three of the Commanders’ playoff games.
Turning 30 in September, it’s likely that McLaurin will be looking for some long-term security on his next deal.
The Commanders have made a considerable effort to build a winning team around Daniels this offseason, as they look to make the most of the quarterback’s rookie contract. With recent signee Deebo Samuel Sr. also out of his contract in 2026, though, Washington has some decisions to make regarding how many years it’s willing to commit to both receivers.
The 2024 season was McLaurin’s fifth straight season with over 1,000 receiving yards, and he’s showing no signs of slowing down. Given his strong connection with Daniels, it would be a huge surprise if the receiver were allowed to walk — either in a trade or in next year’s free agency cycle.
Terry McLaurin
2024 Cut-Ups pic.twitter.com/jBYnP1MHkd— Mike Vannucci (@WRCoachVannucci) March 31, 2025
The Commanders brought back several key veteran pieces this offseason as they attempt to provide Daniels with some consistency in Year 2. This suggests that keeping McLaurin is also a priority. Whether he remains in Washington will come down to numbers, given that both the team and the player are better off together.
McLaurin already reached an agreement on an extension with the Commanders back in 2022. Negotiations will likely have a different tone this time around, though, due to Washington’s situation and McLaurin’s age.
There shouldn’t be any need for Commanders fans to panic, but his recent actions have certainly put the team on notice.