Commanders Activate Terry McLaurin Off PUP List

The Washington Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, the team announced Saturday.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the move is unrelated to McLaurin’s ongoing contract talks and is simply the next step in his recovery process. While eligible to practice now, players coming off the PUP list in Washington often start with light work alongside trainers on a separate field before joining full team drills.

Injury and Holdout

McLaurin landed on the PUP list when he reported to training camp after a four-day holdout. The team cited an ankle injury that had bothered him late last season. His brief absence cost him $200,000 in fines. By reporting, McLaurin avoided further fines but would still lose $861,111 for each week missed if he were to sit out games — including the bye week.

Contract Standoff

Talks between McLaurin and the Commanders have been stalled for months. He has one year left on the three-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2022. Multiple reports say McLaurin is aiming for a deal similar to the one DK Metcalf signed with Pittsburgh — four years, $33 million per year, with $60 million guaranteed. Washington has reportedly not approached that figure, with some around the league believing the team could reach about $28 million per year.

Frustrated by the lack of progress, McLaurin requested a trade on July 31, though team sources insist they have no plans to move him.

Limited Preseason Activity

While sidelined, McLaurin has been at the facility and signing autographs for fans after practice. He was also spotted watching from the sidelines during the Aug. 12 intrasquad scrimmage and speaking with general manager Adam Peters before the session.

Proven Production

McLaurin is coming off his second Pro Bowl season in 2024, when he ranked second in the league with a career-high 13 touchdown receptions, including 10 in the red zone. He has topped 1,000 yards in each of the past five seasons, though he has yet to surpass 1,200 yards.

Frustration With Negotiations

In a 30-minute interview last month, McLaurin voiced his disappointment over the slow-moving talks.

“I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. So this has been somewhere I’ve always wanted to be. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing. I understand everything’s a business. But at the same time, I want to put myself in a position where I’m valued, I feel appreciated. Unfortunately, that hasn’t transpired the way I want it to.”

McLaurin’s return to the active roster clears the way for him to ramp up his football activities — even as his contract situation remains unsettled.