The holdout is over – Washington Commanders sign Terry McLaurin to a three-year, $96 million contract extension. The deal ends weeks of drama and ensures Scary Terry remains in burgundy and gold through 2028. McLaurin gets his well-deserved payday while Jayden Daniels keeps his favorite target.
This extension got ugly once McLaurin’s trade request made headlines. It was part of every national news headline and had become a major distraction.
“Washington and WR Terry McLaurin reached agreement today on a three-year contract extension that will end his hold-in and get him in uniform for the regular-season opener vs. the Giants,” Adam Schefter reported Monday.
Commanders Signing Terry McLaurin Was Critical
Signing McLaurin to an extension would seem to be essential to any 2025 team success. He caught 13 of Daniels’ 25 touchdown passes during the rookie’s historic 2024 campaign. Their chemistry powered Washington to a 12-5 record and ultimately, an NFC Championship Game appearance.
McLaurin has managed 1,000 receiving yards in five straight seasons. The 29-year-old posted 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns last year. He nearly doubled his previous career-high of seven touchdowns with Daniels throwing him the ball.
Washington’s receiving depth chart looked barren without McLaurin. Zach Ertz was the second-leading pass catcher with 66 receptions. Olamide Zaccheaus led other receivers with just 45 catches before joining Chicago. Deebo Samuels is expected to shoulder a load this year, but not a WR1 load.
Contract Holdout Surprising From McLaurin
McLaurin’s holdout started during mandatory minicamp and dragged through training camp. The veteran receiver wanted to join the $30 million per year club alongside elite wideouts. He was entering the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million deal.
The standoff escalated when McLaurin requested a trade in recent weeks. He was placed on the PUP list with an ankle injury while negotiations stalled. The Commanders risked losing their best offensive weapon for nothing.
Fans were shocked. Was their rock solid, uber-dependable, Commander-til-I-die wide receiver really threatening to leave? Skepticism began to creep into even the most confident of fans.
As time passed, the number of fans that sympathized with Terry and were in his court, started to shift. Words like “Diva” have been tossed around amongst fans over the last few days. What a drastic change from every other moment Terry has been in Washington.
Commanders Sign Terry McLaurin at Premium
The $96 million extension averages $32 million per season over three years. This puts McLaurin in elite company among NFL receivers. Only eight receivers currently earn $30 million or more annually.
While the details of the contract have not been released, it’s clear that the Commanders stepped up.
At 29, he’s approaching the dreaded 30-year threshold where teams hesitate on big contracts. Tyreek Hill was the only receiver older than 30 earning $30-plus million per season.
A.J. Brown is the only other receiver older than 27 in that salary range. The Commanders took a calculated risk paying McLaurin into his early thirties. His durability record partially justifies the investment.
Did Consistency Convince The Commanders?
McLaurin has never played fewer than 14 games in any NFL season. He’s appeared in all 17 regular season games each of the last four years. That durability is rare among modern receivers.
The Ohio State product has been Washington’s most reliable offensive weapon since arriving in 2019. He posted 919 receiving yards as a rookie and surpassed 1,000 yards in every season since. McLaurin earned Pro Bowl honors twice in the last three seasons.
His 2024 breakout campaign earned second-team All-Pro recognition. McLaurin became Daniels’ security blanket while establishing himself as one of the league’s premier deep threats. The connection was undeniable.
Signing McLaurin Keeps Championship Window Open
Washington’s surprising 2024 playoff run created legitimate Super Bowl expectations. The Commanders stunned Detroit in the divisional round before falling to Philadelphia in the NFC Championship. The foundation is set for sustained success.
Losing McLaurin may have crushed those championship aspirations. Daniels needs weapons to continue his development into an elite quarterback. On top of proven production, McLaurin provides veteran leadership.
The extension also sends a message to other core players. Washington is committed to building around its young stars. McLaurin joins Daniels as cornerstones of the franchise’s future.
What The Deal Means Going Forward
McLaurin can now focus entirely on football after months of contract drama. His presence immediately upgrades Washington’s offensive ceiling.
The Commanders avoided a potential public relations nightmare. Trading away a homegrown star would have infuriated some of the fanbase.
Will the deal impact future contract negotiations with other key players? Washington showed it will pay market rate or more for elite talent. Will other stars expect similar treatment when their time comes?
Good Timing For Extension
The extension ensures McLaurin suits up against the Giants in Week 1. While it isn’t ideal, he will at least have time to get some practice reps in. Washington needs every weapon available for their championship pursuit, and his presence transforms the entire offensive gameplan.
Daniels gets his favorite target back. Their chemistry was the driving force behind Washington’s unexpected success last season. The connection should pick up where it left off.
The Commanders signing Terry McLaurin to an extension represents more than just a contract.
It’s a statement of intent about competing for championships.
