Terry McLaurin Frustrated as Contract Talks Stall with Commanders

Terry McLaurin isn’t happy with how contract talks have gone—or rather, how they haven’t gone at all. The Washington Commanders’ top receiver said Tuesday he’s frustrated and disappointed by the lack of progress on a new deal. McLaurin, who spoke after shooting a commercial, said things are reaching a critical point.

“Without any progress in discussions, it’s kind of hard to see how I step on the field,” McLaurin said.

While he made it clear he has no interest in being traded—“I want to be here. I want to make that abundantly clear”—he added that it’s not just up to him.

“It takes two to tango,” he said.

Final Year of His Deal

McLaurin is entering the last year of a three-year, $68 million contract he signed in 2022. Since being drafted in the third round in 2019, he’s been Washington’s most consistent weapon, with five straight 1,000-yard seasons. Despite that, he said he hasn’t had any talks with the team in over a month.

The Commanders haven’t commented on the delay. Earlier in the offseason, general manager Adam Peters said the team wanted to extend McLaurin’s contract.

“It’s obviously the compensation, but it’s kind of like the confusion,” McLaurin said. “All year you feel like you’re a part of something. You earned the right to be a captain.

“When you have that type of production, when you know how people value you and see you have told you to your face and then you see how it’s progressing until this point, that’s very disappointing. I’m just trying to get some clarity. Shoot it to me straight.”

Not at the Breaking Point—Yet

McLaurin doesn’t believe the situation has reached a point of no return, but he warned it could get there.

“I guess you can say there is a point of no return,” he said. I don’t think it’s at that now but … time is kind of ticking.”

He skipped parts of Washington’s offseason program, including voluntary practices and the three-day mandatory minicamp in June. That decision cost him $104,768 in fines.

Still at the Top of His Game

McLaurin turns 30 in September—an age when many wide receivers begin to slow down. But he believes he still has a lot to give. He’s only entering his seventh season and played sparingly during his early years at Ohio State, which he says left him with plenty of “tread on the tires.”

He’s coming off one of his most productive seasons: 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and a career-best 13 touchdowns, which ranked second in the NFL. He also earned his second Pro Bowl selection.

“I’m not dismissing [age] completely,” McLaurin said. “There are data points to support that, but how come it’s not OK to say this may be a different case and based on what he’s proven, showing no signs of deterioration, I feel that should be acknowledged as well.”

He pointed to a 36-yard touchdown catch against the Eagles in the NFC Championship Game as proof that he’s still explosive.

“People are making it seem like I need to start getting fitted for a walker and a cane,” he joked. “My game is going to mature in a great way.”

The Market Has Changed

This offseason, two receivers signed deals worth at least $32.5 million per year—DK Metcalf and Garrett Wilson. Metcalf, who came from the same 2019 draft class as McLaurin, received $60 million guaranteed. Wilson, who also played at Ohio State, signed for $90 million guaranteed. Wilson turns 25 this month, while Metcalf is two years younger than McLaurin.

“You do want to feel valued and appreciated,” McLaurin said. “With how the market is today, it conveys what guys of my caliber are deserving of. I feel I fit in that box because of how I’ve carried myself on and off the field. I don’t want to feel like you have to beg for someone to see your worth and value. Everything in previous regimes and now I’ve done everything asked of me.”

Leader Through Chaos

McLaurin has been a steady presence through Washington’s rough patches, especially during the final years under former owner Dan Snyder. He regularly faced tough questions from the media about the team’s off-field issues but never backed away.

“When things were adverse when there was a lot of chaos going on, I held firm, I held strong,” he said. “I held my head high and I was a leader. I’m going to continue to do that.”

Strong Bond with Daniels

McLaurin’s relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels has grown over time. The two connected often throughout last season, talking about game plans and building chemistry. McLaurin said he’s felt supported by Daniels during the contract delay.

“We’ve had a lot of great conversations, and I’ll keep the specifics between us. It’s great to have his support and to know he has my back and see how we’ve grown in our relationship,” McLaurin said. “I truly believe we need each other.”

Still One of the NFL’s Best

Since entering the league, McLaurin has caught 460 passes and 38 touchdowns. Among all wide receivers since 2019, he ranks 11th in receptions and 13th in touchdowns.

He’s proven himself. Now, he just wants a deal that shows the Commanders believe that, too.