Commanders quietly paying the price for Terry McLaurin contract standoff

Terry McLaurin became the Washington Commanders' biggest offseason headliner in 2025, and not for positive reasons.

The normally drama-free star wide receiver held out of minicamp, training camp, and preseason while seeking a contract extension. McLaurin eventually got what he wanted in the final week of August.

All was well again in the world, as the Commanders locked down their beloved fan favorite and franchise icon in the making. But there was always a harsh reality that came with McLaurin's extended absence. Unfortunately, it has shown up during the first two games of 2025.

Commanders aren't getting much from Terry McLaurin to begin the campaign

McLaurin was quiet in Week 1, bringing in only two passes for 27 receiving yards. He was a bit more visible than that in Washington's loss to the Green Bay Packers on Thursday Night Football, but a significant chunk of his 48 yards on five catches came with the game out of reach late in the fourth quarter.

The Ohio State product has not played up to his high standards through two games. McLaurin has struggled to create separation and make contested grabs. He did have one highlight-reel juggling snag early in the going against the Packers, but that's about the only time that he's looked like the superstar Washington is accustomed to.

It's worth noting that slow starts are nothing new for McLaurin. That's why pressing the panic button is foolish, for now.

Last season, he had an even worse start, with only 39 receiving yards and no touchdowns against Washington's first two opponents. In the following game, he hit the century mark against the Cincinnati Bengals and scored his first of 13 touchdowns on the year.

History will need to repeat itself for McLaurin. If not, there will be some uncomfortable discussions had about his actions over the summer.

The concern was that his self-imposed lack of availability would hurt his conditioning as well as his chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels. Thus far, that appears to be the case.

Worse yet, if McLaurin can't turn it around, the narrative will begin to creep in that the Commanders overpaid on his extension. For a player who has been as beloved in Washington for as long as the second-team All-Pro, the last thing that needs to happen for his legacy is to become an albatross.

As an entire team, the Commanders will need to use their primetime loss as a wake-up call. But if there's any one player in particular whom Washington is depending upon to be a better version of himself.

It's McLaurin.