As the NFL enters the second week of training camps, known for increased intensity with padded and contact sessions, Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin has ended his holdout and reported back to the team’s practice facility on Sunday. McLaurin had stayed away during the early part of camp to press for a new contract but returned even without a finalized deal, signaling a willingness to move forward with the team during this critical period.
McLaurin, 29, who will turn 30 in mid-September, set a franchise record with 13 receiving touchdowns last season, second only to Ja’Marr Chase’s league-high 17. Entering the final year of a three-year, $68.4 million extension, McLaurin is seeking financial security after Washington’s NFC Championship run in 2024. With past years marked by instability at the quarterback position, he now seeks to build chemistry with Rookie of the Year Jayden Daniels, the team’s current starting QB.
Commanders head coach Dan Quinn expressed enthusiasm about McLaurin’s return, saying,
“I’m really pumped that he’s here, man,”
and praising his competitive spirit. Quinn added that front office personnel, including GM Adam Peters, remain engaged with McLaurin’s representatives as he continues to recover and prepare for the season, noting they are working
“to get back as soon as he can.”
Speaking to ESPN, McLaurin acknowledged the importance of reconnecting with his teammates and fans, stating,
“It feels good to be around my teammates and around the fans,”
and emphasizing the separation between business negotiations and personal relationships:
“You lose sight of some things when the business gets involved, but I never lost sight of the way they supported me. It’s business, but it has nothing to do with them.”
Chargers elevate Rashawn Slater with record contract extension
In Los Angeles, the Chargers solidified their offensive line by signing two-time Pro Bowl left tackle Rashawn Slater to a four-year, $114 million extension that makes him the highest-paid offensive lineman in the NFL. The deal includes $92 million guaranteed and an average annual value of $28.5 million, surpassing the previous top contract held by Tampa Bay’s Tristan Wirfs.
Slater, 26, who received the second-highest grade for offensive tackles from Pro Football Focus last season, has quickly become a crucial protector for quarterback Justin Herbert. The investment reflects the Chargers’ commitment to a physical, run-focused style under coach Jim Harbaugh and signals an end to Slater’s absence from recent camp sessions.
Cowboys prioritize contract extensions in early training camp moves
The Dallas Cowboys broke their usual pattern of delaying key player negotiations by securing a new contract for tight end Jake Ferguson on Sunday. Ferguson, the Cowboys’ 2022 fourth-round pick, signed a four-year, $52 million extension with $30 million guaranteed, demonstrating the team’s effort to retain emerging talent.
Coach Brian Schottenheimer highlighted the excitement around locking up valued players, saying,
“Any time you get a guy done, which there’s a number of guys we’re working to get done, you’re excited for him [Ferguson].”
Still unresolved is the contract situation with All-Pro edge rusher Micah Parsons. Despite Parsons proactively initiating talks earlier this year, Dallas and Parsons remain at odds on his market value. Parsons, who has consistently exceeded 12 sacks per season since entering the league in 2021, has yet to reach an agreement with the team.
Dallas COO Stephen Jones commented on the situation, noting,
“We want to pay Micah, too. He has to want to be paid,”
indicating ongoing negotiations and the delicate balance of player demands and team control.
Quarterback competition intensifies in Cleveland following Kenny Pickett injury
The Cleveland Browns face a sudden shift in their quarterback battle after Kenny Pickett sustained a hamstring injury during training camp. Pickett, praised as “excellent” by quarterbacks coach Bill Musgrave in early camp sessions, is expected to be re-evaluated next week, sidelining him for the immediate future.
This development increases opportunities for Dillon Gabriel and Shedeur Sanders to gain snaps and make their case for meaningful roles behind veteran Joe Flacco, who remains the frontrunner. Sanders had not previously worked with the first-team offense, but Pickett’s injury may change the quarterback rotation dynamics going forward.
New York Giants rookies show promise as camp progresses
New York Giants’ first-round draft picks have made significant strides during the early stages of their rookie camp. Quarterback Jaxson Dart, despite initial struggles, delivered an impressive performance Sunday by completing 11 of 13 throws, including a notable connection to undrafted rookie wide receiver Beaux Collins.
Defensively, third overall pick Abdul Carter has turned heads with his aggressive pass-rushing moves, including a standout spin past starting right tackle Jermaine Eluemunor. With the addition of Carter alongside Brian Burns, Kayvon Thibodeaux, and Dexter Lawrence, the Giants appear poised to field one of the league’s most formidable defensive lines in 2025.
Training camps highlight key player developments and team strategies
As NFL teams transition into the more intense phases of training camp, the return of Terry McLaurin to the Commanders amid ongoing contract discussions is a major headline. His presence will be vital for Washington’s ambitions, just as the Chargers’ investment in Rashawn Slater underscores their commitment to protecting Justin Herbert and reinforcing their offensive line.
Dallas’s proactive approach to player contract extensions marks a potential shift in their team-building philosophy, though the Micah Parsons situation remains a high-stakes negotiation to monitor. Meanwhile, Cleveland’s injury drama at quarterback opens doors for younger players in a competitive roster battle.
The Giants’ rookies continue to display the talent that made them top draft selections, suggesting an infusion of fresh energy that could translate into improved performance on both sides of the ball. These developments not only affect immediate playing rosters but also shape team direction and fan expectations as the season approaches.
Our Reader’s Queries
Q. Why does Terry McLaurin wear 17?
A. Terry McLaurin, a receiver, chose the number 17. He initially wanted 83, like at Ohio State, but Brian Quick had it. Other choices included 80 or 17.
Q. How much is Terry McLaurin asking for?
A. Terry McLaurin’s contract standoff is the main focus of the Washington Commanders’ 2025 training camp. The experienced wide receiver wants a new contract worth about $32–33 million each year, like the deal DK Metcalf got from the Steelers.
Q. Why is Terry McLaurin called F1?
A. McLaurin liked the nickname “F1” because it pointed to his speed and was similar to the car brand McLaren. However, people started calling him “Scary Terry,” and that name became popular. During a game against the Giants, he scored two touchdowns, and his celebrations related to this nickname.
Q. Is Terry McLaurin a good player?
A. In 2024, McLaurin caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and scored a career-high 13 touchdowns. This earned him his second Pro Bowl and first second-team all-pro selection. He was fourth among receivers in expected points added, creating 61 total EPA, which is about like adding two more wins.