Commanders just made Terry McLaurin centerpiece of their Super Bowl timeline

The Washington Commanders' window to win a Super Bowl opened much sooner than even the brightest optimist anticipated. Those in power just made Terry McLaurin the centerpiece of this timeline after finally agreeing to a lucrative contract extension with the wide receiver.

General manager Adam Peters was resolute in his stance. So was McLaurin, who took every drastic move imaginable to pile on the pressure and get this matter resolved successfully. It took a long time, and things threatened to go past the point of no return, but the result was exactly what everyone associated with the Commanders was hoping for.

Jayden Daniels' emergence as a franchise-caliber quarterback in Year 1 was remarkable. This also raised urgency for the Commanders to maximize his rookie contract before it gets much more expensive to keep him around. And if the dynamic signal-caller continues on his upward trajectory, Washington could end up shelling out $90 million per season in a couple of years.

Commanders making the moves needed to maximize their Super Bowl window

That's why being aggressive now could reap some hefty rewards. Peters recognized this and reacted accordingly this offseason, signing defensive lineman Javon Kinlaw to a big-money deal while also trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. and elite left tackle Laremy Tunsil. But the need to keep McLaurin happy lingered over the summer with no sign of a successful conclusion.

This three-year, $96 million contract with a $30 million signing bonus represents a supreme vote of confidence in McLaurin. He's been among the league's most consistent pass-catchers for years. With Daniels finally providing him with an accomplished figure under center, the former third-round pick out of Ohio State broke the franchise record for single-season receiving touchdowns, in addition to earning Pro Bowl and second-team All-Pro honors.

The Commanders (eventually) rewarded him accordingly. But the next challenge for McLaurin is making sure he gives the organization a sound return on its investment.

McLaurin and Daniels are now connected for the next four years, barring any release. This partnership flourished almost immediately, and there's nothing to suggest it cannot get even better moving forward. Getting in football shape before Week 1 against the New York Giants will be testing, but the player is experienced enough to come back into the fold and make an immediate contribution.

If McLaurin keeps his upward trajectory going, he'll be firmly cemented as a franchise great by the time he hangs up his cleats. The wideout was never going anywhere, not when the Commanders have so much at stake. Removing Daniels' most productive weapon was not an option, even if it took longer than anticipated to get everything rubber-stamped.

McLaurin has his money. But the hard work is just getting started.

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