Terry McLaurin Jim McIsaac/GettyImages

Commanders face heat to settle Terry McLaurin contract as camp offense sputters

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Jul 29, 2025 1:30 PM ET

It was a disjointed day for the Washington Commanders' offense on Day 6 of training camp. This unit does tend to start slowly until everything becomes more familiar. But it's causing some mild concern despite some impressive flashes along the way.

The absence of one player is sorely felt. And the longer wide receiver Terry McLaurin isn't on the practice field, the greater chance this predicament has of causing a major complication when competitive action arrives.

Washington's weapons in the passing game look much improved. Jayden Daniels is the superstar quarterback ready to cement his status among the NFL's elite. The offensive line got upgraded, and the rushing attack could be better. But McLaurin is the glue that holds everything together.

He's the alpha wide receiver. He's the undisputed leader in the locker room. He's the driving force behind everything good — someone others willingly follow into battle.

Jayden deep ball to Deebo but would have been sacked

It’s been a clunky day for offense, again
— Lynnell Willingham (@Nell_BTP) July 29, 2025

Commanders offense is desperately missing Terry McLaurin at Commanders camp

But the Commanders won't have this benefit until they resolve McLaurin's contract standoff.

McLaurin is back in the facility, albeit on the physically unable to perform list as he deals with a supposed ankle issue. Some reporters around the team believe this is a hold-in as the wideout looks to avoid more $50,000 per day fines. He wants to be around his teammates and the fans. Unfortunately, the business side of things is proving more complicated to figure out than most expected.

The former third-round pick wants a huge pay increase. Insiders have speculated about the demands, although we don't know for sure. What's crystal clear is Adam Peters' stance; he's unwilling to meet the current asking price and doesn't seem likely to budge.

There is still time before Week 1 against the New York Giants arrives. Both sides are dug in, but the common goal remains. And based on the overall offensive showing throughout camp so far, the Commanders need McLaurin back on the field at the earliest possible opportunity.

Daniels will mask a lot of problems. Deebo Samuel Sr. has hit the ground running, and others have also shone. Even so, McLaurin is the unquestioned No. 1 option and one of the league's best.

Any team is going to miss a player like that. Peters is dragging this out in his quest to get an extension agreed upon that works for the organization as well as the player. It's a frustrating wait for everyone else, and the signs aren't especially promising right now.

An inconsistent offense at camp won't alter Peters' urgency one way or another. But if the problem lingers, that's only going to strengthen McLaurin's position at the bargaining table.