Terry McLaurin has apparently come to terms on a three-year, $96 million agreement with the Washington Commanders, concluding a contractual impasse that prompted the All-Pro wide receiver to explore a trade. The development was initially reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter and NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
This news brings considerable relief to Washington, particularly as the Commanders aim to capitalize on the impressive debut season of their quarterback, Jayden Daniels.
McLaurin was Daniels’ preferred target throughout his remarkable 2024 season, a year that saw him named Rookie of the Year, selected for Pro Bowl honors, and secure seventh place in the MVP voting. Washington concluded the season with a 12-5 record and progressed to the NFC championship game after upsetting the top-seeded Detroit Lions in the divisional round of the playoffs.
McLaurin successfully caught 13 of Daniels’ 25 touchdown passes and frequently hauled in deep throws, which became a hallmark of Daniels’ rookie campaign. The duo is now set to continue their collaboration as one of the most potent passing combinations in the sport.
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McLaurin, at 29 years old, has distinguished himself as one of the NFL’s most reliable and consistently productive receivers. He has earned Pro Bowl recognition twice in the past three seasons and received second-team All-Pro honors in 2024. McLaurin has participated in all 17 regular-season games in each of the last four seasons and has not played in fewer than 14 games since joining the Commanders as a rookie in 2019.
McLaurin recorded 919 receiving yards during his rookie season and has exceeded the 1,000-yard mark in each of his subsequent five seasons. McLaurin unequivocally stood out as Washington’s primary receiving threat last season, securing 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, almost doubling his prior career-high of seven.
Tight end Zach Ertz emerged as Washington’s second most prolific pass catcher, recording 66 receptions for 654 yards. Olamide Zaccheaus followed as Washington’s next most productive wide receiver, tallying 45 receptions for 506 yards. He has since joined the Chicago Bears.
McLaurin initiated training camp as a holdout in response to unsuccessful contract negotiations as he entered the final season of a three-year, $68.4 million contract. Amidst an escalating wide receiver market in which eight receivers have signed contracts guaranteeing them $30 million or more annually, McLaurin presumably aimed to surpass that salary threshold.
One factor potentially hindering McLaurin during negotiations was his age. As McLaurin approaches his 30th birthday, teams often grow hesitant to offer substantial contracts. Tyreek Hill, at 31, remains the sole receiver over the age of 30 earning $30-plus million per season (three years, $90 million).
A.J. Brown, at 28, stands as the only other receiver older than 27 earning that amount (three years, $96 million). Ja’Marr Chase, at 25, currently holds the most lucrative contract for a wide receiver in the NFL (four years, $161 million).
McLaurin eventually reported to training camp, having missed the first week of sessions. Several days later, he reportedly requested a trade due to persistent unsuccessful negotiations and was subsequently placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list by the Commanders because of an ankle injury.
