Terry McLaurin climbs the WR ranks while Commanders drag their feet

Terry McLaurin's absence from practice this week caused an inevitable frenzy among sections of the media. The Washington Commanders didn't reveal why the wide receiver opted not to participate with his teammates, but analysts and insiders hinted that it could be down to his contractual situation.

Some even started to speculate whether McLaurin would be traded, which is a simply laughable notion. The Commanders want to extend the former third-round pick. The wideout wants to be part of this exciting project and loves the franchise deeply. That means it should be pretty simple to work out if the money suits all parties during negotiations.

Getting this sorted quickly would be wise. The Commanders need McLaurin on the field to prepare and inspire others throughout preparations for the upcoming campaign. It's going to cost Washington around $30 million per season, but you cannot put a price on the player's influence both on and off the field.

Terry McLaurin's elite-level status must force Commanders into action

Trevor Sikkema from Pro Football Focus highlighted McLaurin's qualities, placing him No. 10 among wide receivers around the league entering 2025. The analyst acknowledged he was hard to place, but the playmaking prowess and contested catch ability make him an exceptional option regardless.

[Terry] McLaurin is the toughest player to rank on this list, but regardless of where he lands, he’s simply a high-level receiver. He leads the league with 89 contested catches since 2020, and his cumulative WAR of 1.31 over the past three seasons ranks seventh among wide receivers.Travor Sikkema

McLaurin is finally starting to get national recognition. He toiled through a constant stream of failed quarterbacks in Washington before Jayden Daniels arrived at No. 2 overall in the 2024 NFL Draft, putting up outstanding numbers as all around him crumbled. With an elite signal-caller leading the charge, it came as no surprise to see the Ohio State graduate flourish further.

It's not like general manager Adam Peters needs reminding about what a talented player McLaurin is. He's the heartbeat of this franchise, beloved by fans and teammates alike. He's a born winner who demands excellence. Nobody was more deserving of Washington's incredible success last season. Now, it's about rewarding him with another deal to potentially see out his career in D.C.

Peters has already stated his intent to get McLaurin's extension rubber-stamped way ahead of time. He's gone from an underrated pass-catcher to one of the league's best. Giving him another long-term commitment is a sound investment, one that should be confirmed way before things get more complicated.

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