Sources tell NFL analyst to prepare for grim scenario regarding Terry McLaurin’s future with Commanders
NFL analyst hints that Terry McLaurin’s future after this season is pretty obvious, and his contract agrees with the outcomes.
The Washington Commanders are looking to get back to their winning ways after a disastrous 2025 season with an active offseason.
They’re rebuilding the roster for the 2026 season, but they also need to look ahead for long-term success instead of one-year answers. One of their biggest question marks of the offseason is the WR room, and they may need to find their future WR1, with reports saying this could be the last season for Terry McLaurin in Washington.
Matthew Berry reports sources say 2026 is likely Terry McLaurin’s final season with the Commanders
The Commanders are absolutely looking at the now, but they also need to prepare for their next moves ahead, and one will be one that fans absolutely hate. NBC Sports NFL analyst Matthew Berry says that team sources told him to prepare for 2026 to be McLaurin’s last year with the Commanders.
“If you remember, there was a contract holdout last year with Terry McLaurin heading into his 30-year-old season,” Berry said. “Ultimately, they got that done. But McLaurin, not a great year for him last year. He was injured. The production wasn’t necessarily there, there as well. So I think the thought process is that this is the last year in terms of the extension that McLaurin got. 2026 is the last year of guaranteed money for Terry McLaurin.”
“So, just sort of thinking about it logically, they didn’t really want to pay him when he was 30. They ultimately did. Do they really want to pay him when he’s 32 now? Could he have an amazing year this year and turn it around under new offensive coordinator David Blough? Talking to a team source in Washington, as you know, that’s a team I follow closely, and this particular source has been really good over many years feels like McLaurin’s last year is likely 2026.”
Terry McLaurin’s contract always said that 2026 would be his final season
This report shouldn’t come as a surprise to anyone if they looked at how McLaurin’s contract extension was structured. McLaurin’s extension was essentially just a two-year deal with an out after 2026. His salary cap hit in 2027 is $34 million, and his 2028 cap hit is $39.5 million; there’s no way the Commanders even think about paying that.
McLaurin will be a prime trade candidate after the season, which would save $28 million if it’s a post-June 1st trade, or a $16 million savings if it’s before June 1st. The best-case scenario is that McLaurin bounces back in 2026 after an injury-riddled 2025, and he fetches the Commanders a high enough draft pick on the market in a trade.
The Commanders need to think about finding their WR1 this offseason, whether that’s swinging on Alec Pierce in free agency or drafting Carnell Tate with the No. 7 overall pick.
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