The Washington Commanders have officially activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL season nears, according to Ian Rapoport. Despite this move, there remains little progress in the ongoing Terry McLaurin contract extension talks, leaving questions about the veteran’s future with the team.
While McLaurin has expressed his wish for a new contract or a possible trade, his current focus is on regaining full health and preparing for practice ahead of the upcoming games.
Contract Negotiations Hampered by Differences Over Value and Age Concerns
According to John Keim, the Commanders and McLaurin remain far apart on what his next contract should look like. McLaurin reportedly wants a deal comparable to what the Seattle Seahawks’ D.K. Metcalf received—an average of $33 million per season. Both players were drafted in 2019 and have shown similar on-field production, making the comparison compelling.
However, McLaurin’s age has emerged as a key obstacle. At 29 years old and soon to turn 30 in September, he is two years older than Metcalf. Washington’s front office, led by General Manager Adam Peters, relies heavily on analytics, placing substantial weight on age in contract decisions.
One former NFL executive commented,
“Once they hit 30, more times than not the money is more than the production,”
underlining the challenge McLaurin faces. Yet, the executive also acknowledged McLaurin’s playing style might allow him to maintain his performance longer than most at his age.
McLaurin himself dismissed concerns about his longevity, stating in a July interview,
“People [are] making it seem like I need to start getting fitted for a walker and a cane,”
emphasizing his belief in his ability to continue playing at a high level.
Team’s Focus on Future Performance Shapes Negotiation Strategy
Adam Peters is cautious about setting precedents with McLaurin’s contract that could affect other team negotiations. Peters aims to structure a deal based on McLaurin’s expected performance in his early 30s rather than reward past accomplishments. This forward-looking approach causes friction, given McLaurin’s current high-level production.
Keim also shared insights from a league source, suggesting the Commanders might offer McLaurin a long-term contract worth close to $28 million per year. However, the specifics of guaranteed money in that deal will likely play a pivotal role in whether McLaurin finds the offer acceptable.
Trade Option Unlikely as Contract Talks Remain Stalled
Despite the tense negotiations, multiple sources told Keim that trading McLaurin is not on the table. Doubts also linger about other NFL teams being willing to meet McLaurin’s contract demands or provide sufficient compensation for a trade involving the Commanders’ top wide receiver.
McLaurin entered the NFL as the 76th overall pick in the third round of the 2019 draft by Washington, signing an initial four-year rookie deal worth nearly $4 million. In 2021, he secured a three-year extension valued at $71 million but now enters the final year of that contract.
McLaurin’s Recent Performance and Future Outlook
In the 2024 season, McLaurin appeared in all 17 games, finishing with 82 receptions from 117 targets, accumulating 1,096 yards and scoring 13 touchdowns. These numbers demonstrate that McLaurin continues to be a key offensive weapon for the Commanders despite the uncertainty over his contract status.
As negotiations continue during the season, McLaurin’s on-field contributions and health will remain crucial factors influencing both the team’s strategy and the wide receiver’s future in Washington.
Ongoing Developments Awaited From Commanders and Terry McLaurin
Given the significant gap in contract expectations and the importance of McLaurin to the Commanders‘ offense, further updates are expected as both sides work through this challenging negotiation period. The resolution of Terry McLaurin contract extension talks will likely set a tone for the team’s approach to salary negotiations with other key players in the near future.