The saga is finally over as Washington Commanders sign All-Pro WR Terry McLaurin to massive long-term contract extension
The deal is finally done, and McLaurin is still a Commander
Washington Commanders fans can breathe a sigh of relief because their biggest nightmare of the offseason has officially been resolved.
The Commanders’ offense can pick up where it left off since star wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the front office have agreed to terms on a long-term contract extension.
McLaurin cashes out
McLaurin and the Commanders agreed to a three-year deal worth up to $96 million with a $30 million signing bonus. The deal breaks the record for the most money earned by a player entering his age-30 season in NFL history. This is likely the last big contract for McLaurin in his career and a major step toward him retiring in Washington whenever he calls it quits, as he is now locked in through 2028.
There was a dark cloud over training camp when McLaurin was absent until he was activated off the PUP list on Aug. 16, his first step toward rejoining the team. The offense can now hit the field in Week 1 with no distractions and chase their Super Bowl hopes in 2025.
The Super Bowl window remains wide open for the Commanders
This wasn’t just a random offseason contract negotiation; this was the most important business move in general manager Adam Peters’ tenure in Washington.
Breaking up the historic connection between Jayden Daniels and McLaurin, which helped catapult the Commanders to the NFC Championship game last season, would’ve been heavily scrutinized by just about everyone.
McLaurin has been a reliable and consistent target during his career with mediocre teams in Washington, but he set the franchise’s single-season touchdown record in his first season with Daniels. Peters has gone all-in on building around the franchise quarterback, and bringing McLaurin back was the final and most vital move to push for a Super Bowl appearance this season.
The path to being a top offense
The Commanders’ offense was the team’s strong point last year, which made it to the NFC Championship game, and the ceiling is even higher this season for Kliff Kingsbury and company. Bringing in Laremy Tunsil and drafting Josh Conerly Jr. will pay major dividends in how much time Daniels has in the pocket to find McLaurin downfield.
Commanders fans also haven’t seen the full force of what McLaurin and Deebo Samuel will look like together. Locking McLaurin in before the season boosts Daniels’ MVP chances and helps get the team off to a hot start with facing NFC East rivals, the New York Giants, in Week 1. It was an ugly contract situation, but well worth it in the end.
At the end of the day, nobody enjoys the business side of the NFL until the signature is on the check, and things can get ugly when it comes to getting a deal done. McLaurin was paid what he deserves, and what he’s worked hard for, and now it’s time to do what he loves most, and that’s catching touchdowns, leading the team, and winning games in Washington.
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