The Washington Commanders recently activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list as the team prepares for the upcoming season opener. McLaurin, who missed most voluntary workouts and the mandatory minicamp this summer, has been in a holdout due to ongoing contract negotiations and even requested a trade when talks stalled.

Currently, McLaurin is in the final year of his three-year, $69.6 million extension, which amounts to an average of $23.2 million per year since his deal was signed in June 2022.

McLaurin Seeks to Match Highest NFL Wide Receiver Salaries

According to Ian Rapoport on The Pat McAfee Show, Terry McLaurin’s contract demand is $33 million annually, aligning his value with elite wideout DK Metcalf.

Terry McLaurin wants $33 million (per year) like DK Metcalf,

He’s a little older, but same (draft) class, similar production.

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider

DK Metcalf secured a five-year, $150 million contract with the Pittsburgh Steelers this spring after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks, making him among the highest-paid receivers in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/”>NFL. McLaurin, fresh off a career-high 13 touchdown season, has remained the leading offensive threat for Washington.

Negotiation Status and Potential Financial Terms

Rapoport suggested the ongoing negotiations likely revolve around a figure closer to $30 million per year.

My sense is it’s around or a little under $30 million (per year),

If McLaurin wants $33 million, and the Commanders want to pay him $28.5 million, there’s a deal to be made. … Let’s say $29 million and above, that’s a good deal.

— Ian Rapoport, NFL Insider

Securing McLaurin long-term would lock in one of the NFL’s most effective wide receivers, preserving a key component of a Washington offense that excelled in the <a href="https://www.buzzineintl.com/category/football/nfl/nfc/”>NFC last season. Earlier reports this summer listed McLaurin’s salary target near $30 million, but Rapoport indicates it is now higher.

Among NFL pass-catchers entering 2025, only eight currently average at least $30 million annually, underscoring how McLaurin’s demand places him in elite company.

Preparation for Season Starts Despite Contract Issues

The Commanders will face the Cincinnati Bengals in a preseason game on Monday night. Head coach Dan Quinn clarified that McLaurin’s activation from the PUP list is unrelated to contract discussions.

This is about him getting ready to play, which is honestly awesome,

It’s just cool seeing him get closer, because now you know [that] steps are getting closer to return to being on the field.

— Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders Head Coach

McLaurin’s return to practice marks progress toward his participation in the season, despite the unresolved contract stalemate which has delayed his preseason involvement.

Implications of McLaurin’s Contract Demand for Washington

Terry McLaurin’s $33 million per year request positions him among the NFL’s top-paid receivers and complicates negotiations for the Commanders, who must balance contract expectations with salary cap constraints. His holdout and trade request reflect the urgency for terms matching his on-field contributions. How Washington responds in the coming weeks will significantly impact their offensive stability and roster continuity as they enter the 2024 campaign.