Terry McLaurin and 4 Commanders earning new contracts in 2025 at the bye week

The Washington Commanders are in a healthy position. They are way ahead of schedule in Year 1 of this substantial rebuild under general manager Adam Peters. Another strong offseason in 2025 could put them in legitimate postseason contention.

Peters made a point of keeping urgency high this offseason. Very few holdovers out of contract from the previous regime were extended. Most free-agent acquisitions got either one or two-year deals rather than anything longer-term. This had the desired effect looking at the way Washington has performed so far.

The Commanders hired the right guy in Peters. He'll know what moves are needed to take the next step in 2025. That won't include some playing personnel around currently, but others can feel confident about their chances of an extended stay.

With this in mind, here are five Commanders players well on their way to securing new contracts at the bye week. We'll start with Pro Bowl pass-catcher Terry McLaurin.

Commanders players earning new contracts at the bye week

Terry McLaurin - Commanders WR

Terry McLaurin's done remarkably well throughout his career. Despite the carousel of quarterbacks employed by the Washington Commanders, the wide receiver remained a model of consistency. Now that the franchise has a genuine long-term option under center in Jayden Daniels, the former third-round pick has flourished further.

McLaurin got off to a slow start as Kliff Kingsbury eased Daniels into his rookie campaign. Once the offensive coordinator released the playbook's shackles, it was all systems go.

The Ohio State product is Washington's only dependable wideout option in the passing game. McLaurin's a threat to score anytime he touches the football and one of the few wideouts around the league capable of impacting proceedings at all three levels of the field.

McLaurin's brought in 68.9 percent of his targets for 896 receiving yards and a career-high nine touchdowns this season so far. He's got one more year remaining on his deal in 2025, but the Commanders would be wise to tie him down for his remaining prime years.

This will also get the salary cap number down next season for good measure. It seems like a no-brainer regarding someone who is a focal point for prosperity on and off the field.

Dante Fowler Jr. - Commanders OLB

Dante Fowler Jr.'s arrival in free agency went relatively overlooked in the grand scheme of things. The veteran edge rusher linked back up with head coach Dan Quinn for their third stop. But he was seen as a rotational piece rather than anyone expected to make a significant contribution.

The Washington Commanders must be thrilled by what they've seen from Fowler so far. His ability to generate pressure consistently was much needed for a defense not getting much from their front four. He's instinctive against the run and disciplined enough to maintain gap discipline when the situation dictates.

Fowler's been a revelation, gaining 8.5 sacks to go along with 10 quarterback hits and 14 pressures throughout the campaign. The Commanders need more edge rushers overall, but keeping the former first-round pick out of Florida around comes with benefits attached.

There is a potential stumbling block. Fowler's career resurgence could see lucrative offers arrive from elsewhere. Considering he's on the wrong side of 30 years old now, this might be the last chance he'll have for long-term financial security.

The Commanders are in a decent financial position themselves, so it'll be interesting to see how things play out.

Jeremy Chinn - Commanders S

Jeremy Chinn was a high-priority target for the Commanders in free agency. The versatile, athletic defender saw his usage with the Carolina Panthers diminish as defensive coordinator Ejiro Evero switched to a 3-4 base schematic front. He was eager to make a fresh start and felt Washington represented the best place to galvanize his career.

Chinn's imposing style of play and explosiveness fit in seamlessly with head coach Dan Quinn's scheme. There are some lapses in coverage, which follows on from what he's put out on tape before joining Washington. But overall, his production's been encouraging.

The Commanders gave Chinn a one-year, prove-it deal this offseason. He's done enough to warrant an extended stay, but much will depend on the money involved when push comes to shove.

Chinn should know this is the best place for him. The former second-round pick out of Southern Illinois is a solidified starter with his best years ahead of him. If there's a mutual interest between both parties, something should get worked out to avoid any unnecessary uncertainty.

Cornelius Lucas - Commanders OT

Cornelius Lucas got a one-year extension from the Washington Commanders when most thought he'd be made surplus to requirements. The veteran offensive tackle's place on the roster wasn't guaranteed. What followed is a testament to his resolve and ability to adjust.

Lucas not only cemented his place on the squad, but he earned enough confidence to share left tackle responsibilities with third-round rookie Brandon Coleman. This was a calculated risk by the coaching staff - one that's paid off handsomely.

The former undrafted free agent out of Kansas State is playing the best football of his career. Lucas has given up just one sack this season. His pass-blocking grade of 81.4 from Pro Football Focus ranks 13th out of 131 qualifying offensive tackles. His high-level consistency enabled Coleman to come along gradually for good measure.

He's not getting any younger, but Lucas' production is more than deserving of another one-year deal. This would keep continuity and give the Commanders a dependable veteran capable of holding down the fort whether reinforcements arrive or not.

Bobby Wagner - Commanders LB

The Commanders made plenty of quality signings throughout the offseason. Arguably none were more pivotal to the team's early success than Bobby Wagner.

Dan Quinn needed an accomplished leader capable of spearheading this culture shift. Wagner ticked every box and he's been worth every cent so far.

His on-field production remains superb despite being 34 years old. Wagner is a dominant force against the run and generates pressure well when opportunities arise. He's slowing down in coverage, but this isn't a great concern considering his overall body of work.

Wagner's leadership in the locker room is another huge positive. He's not the most vocal, preferring to lead by example and show younger players how to prepare effectively and adopt a winning mindset. When the Commanders were going through a slump, his decision to speak out and remind the locker room what got them this far provoked a positive response.

That typified the esteem in which Wagner is held in the locker room. If the former second-round pick wants to continue his first-ballot Pro Football Hall of Fame career, the Commanders should be willing to provide the second-level enforcer with another contract.

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