The Washington Commanders have been active this offseason through trades, the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL Draft, and free agency, but the biggest ongoing story involves star wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s contract situation. After missing mandatory minicamp and early preseason practices, McLaurin recently returned to the team, though he has yet to participate fully on the field. Quarterback Jayden Daniels expressed confidence that McLaurin and the Commanders will soon reach an agreement.
Jayden Daniels Remains Positive Amid McLaurin Contract Uncertainty
Despite the tension surrounding the contract dispute, Jayden Daniels is focused on his own preparation while maintaining hope that McLaurin will be back on the field shortly. Daniels emphasized controlling what he can while trusting that the situation will be resolved.
Control what I can control. I know one day 17 [McLaurin] will be running out here and hopefully soon but I can’t control what he has going on with his business or the front office,
Daniels said to CBS Sports‘ Evan Washburn on Monday.
I got to go out there and try to be the best version of myself each and every and just hope one day it all gets resolved and 17’s back out here catching passes.
—Jayden Daniels, Quarterback
Though there is no definite timeline yet for a new deal, McLaurin’s presence around the team and Daniels’ comments suggest positive momentum toward a resolution.
Details Behind the Contract Disagreement Between McLaurin and the Commanders
The contract issue has been developing since early summer, escalating after McLaurin skipped organized team activities and mandatory minicamp, despite taking part in offseason workouts earlier in the year. McLaurin arrived at training camp on July 27 but was immediately listed on the active/physically unable to perform (PUP) list with an ankle injury.
Four days later, McLaurin requested a trade, but the Commanders have no plans to move him. Instead, he has remained with the team, watching practices without participating. The core disagreement lies in McLaurin’s contract demands, as he seeks an annual salary near $33 million, a figure Washington currently hesitates to meet.
Terry McLaurin’s Proven Value to the Commanders
McLaurin’s performance proves his worth as one of the NFL’s top wide receivers. He has consistently achieved over 1,000 receiving yards for five consecutive seasons and has not missed a game in the past four years. His 2024 season was particularly impressive, including 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns. For these efforts, he earned second-team All-Pro recognition and a second Pro Bowl selection in his six-year career.
Since being drafted in the first round in 2019, McLaurin has played 97 games with the Commanders, recording 460 receptions for 6,379 yards and scoring 38 touchdowns. His numbers place him in the franchise’s top 10 for receptions, receiving yards, and receiving touchdowns.
What the Contract Situation Means for the Commanders’ Season
The ongoing contract dispute has created uncertainty but also highlighted the value McLaurin brings to Washington’s offense. With Jayden Daniels eager to connect with his star receiver, the resolution of this situation remains a key storyline for the team as the 2025 NFL season progresses. The Commanders appear invested in keeping McLaurin and integrating him into their plans, which could give the team a significant boost if both sides can find common ground.