Terry McLaurin, the star wide receiver for the Washington Commanders, has expressed growing dissatisfaction with the stalled contract extension talks, creating uncertainty about his participation in the team’s upcoming training camp. Sources indicate that McLaurin might opt out of the start of camp next week unless his contract issues are resolved soon.
NFL insider James Palmer, speaking on Bleacher Report’s live stream, revealed McLaurin’s indecision about attending training camp. Palmer explained that McLaurin has missed offseason activities and is closely monitoring how the negotiations unfold as the camp start date approaches.
He’s not sure if he’s gonna show up for camp or not,
Palmer said.
He didn’t participate in any of the offseason activities… He hasn’t gotten there yet, and I think this is important: he said, ‘I’m gonna see how the rest of the week plays out.’ What usually drives a lot of contracts [is] deadlines, and a deadline could be the start of training camp.
Frustrations Mount as McLaurin Questions His Role with the Commanders
McLaurin’s unhappiness is evident in recent comments made after a commercial shoot, where he hinted at his reluctance to continue on the field without progress in his contract talks. ESPN’s John Keim reported that McLaurin openly questioned how he can fully commit given the stalled discussions.
Without any progress in discussions it’s kind of hard to see how I step on the field.
—Terry McLaurin, Washington Commanders receiver
At 29 years old, McLaurin is entering the final season of his current three-year, $68 million deal signed in 2022. Despite not requesting a trade, he has made it clear that the current state of negotiations leaves him uncertain about his long-term future with the team.
Palmer further detailed McLaurin’s frustrations regarding the communication breakdown and lack of clarity on his value to the Commanders.
He is very frustrated, he is very disappointed in the way that these negotiations have gone,
Palmer explained.
He doesn’t know where they’re valuing him right now. He questioned whether he’s a part of the future. … He said there’s been really no communication or progress over the last month between the two sides.
Impact on the Commanders and Next Steps for McLaurin
McLaurin has established himself as one of the most reliable receivers in the NFL in recent years, making his contract situation particularly critical for the Commanders as they prepare for the upcoming season. The prolonged dispute jeopardizes their ability to focus fully on training and building team chemistry.
The resolution of McLaurin’s contract talks could set a precedent for managing star players’ negotiations, especially since the team faces a deadline with the training camp’s start only days away. How the Commanders handle this dispute might influence their roster planning through the 2025 season and beyond.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Terry McLaurin wear 17?
A. Terry McLaurin, a receiver, chose the number 17. He wanted 83, which he wore at Ohio State, but Brian Quick already had it. His other choices were 80 or 17.
Q. Where did Terry McLaurin get the nickname Scary Terry?
A. McLaurin was not fond of the nickname “Scary Terry.” When he entered the NFL, basketball player Terry Rozier had already been using it. McLaurin liked “F1” better, since it highlighted his speed and referenced the car brand McLaren. Alternatively, he was fine with not having a nickname at all.
Q. Why is Terry McLaurin so good?
A. McLaurin is best at watching the ball, knowing where it will land, and catching it. “I focus my eyes on the ball,” McLaurin explained. He mentioned that he is strong enough to avoid contact with others and fast enough to be in the right spot.