Terry McLaurin Brooke Sutton/GettyImages

Commanders icon drops truth bomb on Terry McLaurin contract standoff

Originally posted on Riggo's Rag | By Dean Jones | Last updated Jul 9, 2025 8:00 AM ET

Second-team All-Pro Terry McLaurin is still awaiting his new deal from the Washington Commanders. And one franchise legend believes the wide receiver should get it sooner rather than later.

Fans agree. There aren't many concerns just yet despite the pass-catcher skipping mandatory minicamp and voluntary OTAs, but that will change if the situation isn't resolved before training camp and McLaurin decides to miss the most important part of preparations for the new campaign.

Something will get worked out. That might not have been the case with previous regimes in Washington, but this is a tight-run ship these days under the expert leadership of Josh Harris, Adam Peters, and Dan Quinn.

Joe Theismann urges Commanders to pay Terry McLaurin immediately

Joe Theismann, who was a two-time Pro Bowler and Super Bowl-winning quarterback in Washington, urged the Commanders to pay McLaurin during an appearance on the Up and Adams Show. The beloved figure highlighted the fact that the former third-round pick out of Ohio State is embedded into the organization's fabric as a big reason why he's so deserving.

From my perspective, that’s a deal that must get done and must get done soon. You talk about putting a house together and building it with brick and mortar; this is the mortar that keeps the bricks together. We need to get this done and move forward as a football team.Joe Theismann

“He sort of fits into that Jerry Rice category”

Joe Theismann on why the Commanders need to get Terry McLaurin’s deal done ASAP ‼️@heykayadams | @Theismann7 @TheTerry_25 pic.twitter.com/WKuUsaumsF
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) July 8, 2025

Again, this is a sentiment echoed by every Commanders fan. McLaurin is an exceptional player and person. He's a respected leader in the locker room and never cheats the franchise. He always performs, and he always leads from the front. This is the sort of cornerstone piece that you build around.

Peters is a smart guy. He'll know how vital McLaurin is to the team on and off the field. It's the sort of influence you cannot put a price on, so it would be a major disappointment if some common ground wasn't reached.

The Commanders cannot let this drag on and become a distraction. They need McLaurin on the field, helping his teammates prepare and keeping standards high. Anything less comes with potentially significant ramifications attached when competition commences in Week 1 against the New York Giants.

Thiesmann said what every Commanders fan is hoping for. Peters and the front office will recognize this fact eventually.

It's just a matter of when.