Tensions Continue to Grow Between Commanders and McLaurin

I’ve reported on Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin and his growing frustration with the franchise a few times over the last few weeks. Unfortunately for Washington fans, McLaurin is still not happy with the progress on an extension, according to recent reports. The Commanders now have just a couple of weeks to make meaningful progress before McLaurin’s holdout risks stretching into training camp, putting both the player and the team in a difficult position as the new season looms.

Adam Schefter of ESPN echoed this sentiment on The Pat McAfee Show, highlighting that negotiations between Washington and McLaurin have stalled, with little movement at the bargaining table. McLaurin, a two-time Pro Bowler, currently carries a $15.5 million base salary and a $25.5 million cap hit for the 2025 season. These figures, however, are increasingly outdated in a rapidly evolving wide receiver market. Since originally signing his extension with Washington in 2022, McLaurin has seen his peers command dramatically higher deals.

For example, the Cincinnati Bengals’ Ja'Marr Chase recently set a new standard by becoming the first wide receiver to secure an average annual salary exceeding $40 million. In addition, seven other wideouts have signed contracts that pay them at least $30 million per year, further inflating market expectations. While there is almost no chance McLaurin will reset the market at these elite levels, his consistent production—marked by a fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season—makes him a weapon that is extremely hard to replace.

Websites like Spotrac currently value McLaurin’s worth at approximately $31.1 million per year, a figure that reflects both his on-field reliability and the escalating market demands. As the animosity grows, Washington faces mounting pressure to bridge the gap and secure a contract extension that reflects McLaurin’s value, while the wideout waits to see if the team is willing to meet his expectations before training camp begins. At any rate, it has to be the top priority for Washington to keep the team in good spirits by extending their top receiver. Terry has put up with a lot of bad football over the years, and it’s time for the franchise to repay him what he’s worth.

Editor’s Note: This article reflects ongoing contract discussions as of early July 2025. The situation may evolve rapidly as training camp approaches. Readers are encouraged to follow team press conferences and insider reports for the latest updates.