The Washington Commanders are heading into the new NFL season facing uncertainty around one of their key veterans, wide receiver Terry McLaurin, who has yet to agree to a contract extension and has chosen to sit out voluntary workouts and mandatory minicamp as a result. At 29 (soon turning 30 in September), McLaurin is entering the final year of his current deal, which carries a base salary of $15.5 million and a cap hit of $25.5 million.
This familiar holdout mirrors a similar scenario from 2022, when McLaurin also sat out offseason programs before eventually signing a three-year extension worth up to $71 million. Now, he’s reportedly seeking a new three-year deal in the $90–100 million range.
His absence from practices has triggered fines—up to approximately $104,768 for missing all three days of minicamp—but the bigger issue is the emotional toll on McLaurin. Reports indicate he’s growing increasingly frustrated with the slow pace of negotiations and feels underappreciated after producing elite performances.
Despite the holdout, the team hasn’t expressed panic. Coach Dan Quinn acknowledged the intersection of business and football, calling McLaurin “a fantastic teammate,” and said their rapport has remained strong, implying that the situation isn’t negatively affecting team bonds. Quarterback Jayden Daniels echoed that sentiment, stating the holdout hasn’t impacted their personal or professional chemistry on and off the field.
From the front office’s perspective, General Manager Adam Peters has confirmed that negotiations are ongoing but currently at a stalemate—referred to as being “quite a gap” in expectations by analyst Adam Schefter. The team has referenced deals like Mike Evans’ to justify their valuation, but league observers emphasize McLaurin’s unique value as a leader and consistent top-performer.
McLaurin is coming off a career-best campaign in 2024, setting a franchise record with 13 touchdown receptions and piling up 1,096 yards on 82 catches. That performance earned him Second-Team All-Pro honors and reinforced his status as the Commanders’ top wideout. Over his six-year career, he’s consistently posted over 1,000 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons, despite often playing with unstable quarterback situations.
Support for McLaurin is coming from all sides. Analysts and fans on social media have urged the team to “pay the man,” citing his unwavering production and leadership. Fellow players, like Deebo Samuel and Austin Ekeler, have voiced public backing, recognizing McLaurin’s significant contributions .
Financially, the Commanders are prepared—the team has cap space post moves like signing Deebo Samuel and Laremy Tunsil, and McLaurin is widely seen as central to the development of young quarterback Jayden Daniels. Leadership in the locker room, his elite playmaking, and professional consistency have all elevated McLaurin’s contract expectations.
The Commanders and McLaurin are expected to continue discussions through July, with many believing a resolution will come before training camp begins—similar to their past extension in the summer of 2022.
Summary: Terry McLaurin, at 29, is sitting out CE activities due to stalled negotiations on a multiyear extension worth well over his current cap hit. While both sides acknowledge a serious gap in valuation, McLaurin’s elite production, leadership, and role alongside QB Jayden Daniels add leverage. The team isn’t alarmed, citing mutual respect and ongoing discussions, and many expect a deal to conclude before training camp.
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