Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images

‘Megatron’ Sounds Off on Commanders vs. Terry McLaurin

Originally posted on Athlon Sports | By Anthony Goss | Last updated Jun 14, 2025 3:51 PM ET

Terry McLaurin sent a message loud and clear this week without saying a word. The Washington Commanders No. 1 receiver skipped out on mandatory minicamp, running up a fine of over $100,000 in campaigning for a contract extension.

Rumors swirled ahead of this week of the receiver's frustrations that conversations on that front had not gone anywhere. Now he has finally taken his stance.

It's certainly a noteworthy absence as the Commanders head into their second year with Jayden Daniels under center. McLaurin holds a central role in the team's mission to maximize the early years of their quarterback's career.

But Washington has not shown the urgency in contract talks that would reflect that. From the outside, Pro Football Hall of Famer and legendary NFL receiver Calvin Johnson has a hard time seeing why.

Johnson urged the Commanders to pay McLaurin during an appearance on "Up & Adams" this week.

"Come on Magic, pay the man!"

Calvin Johnson on Commanders WR Terry McLaurin.@heykayadams | @calvinjohnsonjr | @MagicJohnson pic.twitter.com/HaRriLpsPR
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 12, 2025

“Pay the man, ’cause the man has been nothing but consistent. I don’ know Terry very well, but from afar, man, the guy has been nothing but consistent for that organization, he’s been a staple there in Washington for his whole career..." he said.

"He plays well, he steps up in big games and I love watching the kid ’cause he’s always making plays.”

Johnson would be right on all fronts. McLaurin strived through some rough years with the franchise early in his career. That never put a lid on his production, posting 1,000 yards in each of the last five seasons.

Frankly the Commanders are losing their leverage in this waiting game. While they traded for Deebo Samuel earlier in the offseason they lost Jahan Dotson in free agency and Noah Brown was carted off the practice field with an undisclosed injury just days ago.

McLaurin elevates the quality of this receiving corps and remains the best target they have for Daniels. His yearly price tag likely already sits over $30 million. The longer the Commanders wait the more risk they run in having to pay him even more.

So instead of waiting any longer, perhaps the Commanders should take the advice of one of the greats and come to terms with their star pass catcher.

This article first appeared on Athlon Sports and was syndicated with permission.

More must-reads: