Terry McLaurin deal is ultimate thank you to Commanders fans who never wavered

At last, the long national nightmare is over, and the Washington Commanders have finally paid wide receiver Terry McLaurin.

The two-time Pro Bowler and second-team All-Pro received a three-year extension worth up to $96 million, which keeps him under contract with the Commanders through the 2028 season. It ensures McLaurin will stay in Washington until he is 33 years old and completes his 10th season in the NFL.

It's a reward of McLaurin's loyalty to Washington, as well as to all of those fans who stuck it out through thick and thin.

Commanders fans rewarded for their loyalty with Terry McLaurin extension

McLaurin is already the third-longest-tenured player on the Commanders' roster, trailing only punter Tress Way and defensive tackle Daron Payne. Jeremy Reaves has also technically been around longer, but was released and brought back multiple times.

As the team's top receiving weapon, he's naturally much more popular than any of them. For several years, McLaurin was considered the biggest bright spot on a squad that otherwise left fans apathetic.

McLaurin has been productive from the start, catching five passes for 125 receiving yards and a touchdown in his NFL debut in Week 1 of 2019. He's gone over at least 1,000 yards in every season of his career, except for his rookie year, and hasn't missed a game since 2020.

He's been a model of consistency, dependability, and professionalism. This is why McLaurin's dramatic holdout this offseason was so disheartening to see.

The idea of McLaurin forcing his way out of D.C. following the Commanders' success last season was unthinkable. After five years in which his most consistent quarterback connection was with Taylor Heinicke, Washington finally found him a franchise passer. The team made the NFC Championship game. Fans could take pride in seeing No. 17 utilized to his full potential, catching a career-best 13 touchdowns in 2024. And he was going to ask for a trade? Now?

But worry no longer: a deal has been done, and McLaurin is here to stay.

It's not only the resolution McLaurin deserves, but every fan who had to watch him catch passes from the likes of Case Keenum, Kyle Allen, and Garrett Gilbert. Everyone who showed up to FedEx Field while it was overrun with Philadelphia Eagles and Dallas Cowboys fans, chanting "Sell the team!" as the Ohio State product endured losing season after losing season.

It's for everyone who always believed in a better tomorrow.

That tomorrow is here, and McLaurin will officially be a long-term part of it. All is right in the world.

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