It felt like the Washington Commanders and wide receiver Terry McLaurin would have already agreed to a new contract. However, as we approach training camp, things appear to be getting messier between McLaurin and the Commanders.
Last week, McLaurin spoke to the media after he attended an event in the area, describing his contract talks with the Commanders as “disappointing and frustrating.”
“I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not gonna lie,” McLaurin said. “Everything that has transpired to this point has been pretty disappointing and frustrating.”
McLaurin even revealed that his representation hasn’t spoken to the Commanders in at least one month. Considering we are close to training camp, that is concerning. However, McLaurin again reiterated his desire to remain with the Commanders, finalize a deal, and continue what they started last season.
“I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. This has been somewhere where I’ve always wanted to be. And, you know, just to see how things have played out has been disappointing. Obviously, I understand everything is a business, but at the same time, I want to put myself in a position where I’m valued and I feel appreciated and things like that. Unfortunately, that hasn’t transpired the way I wanted it to, so, I’m just trying to take things day by day.”
It’s been said that McLaurin isn’t trying to reset the receiver market, with Ja’Marr Chase of the Bengals at the top, averaging $40 million per season. However, McLaurin has seen receivers less successful than him eclipse the $30 million mark. He’s only asking for what he’s earned. Unfortunately, from Washington’s side, there’s a problem: McLaurin turns 30 in September, and this will be his third contract. The history of paying receivers over 30 isn’t good, although Mike Evans appears to be changing that narrative.
If $30 million is what McLaurin is asking for, which is very reasonable from his perspective, the two sides do not appear close, says ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler.
“The question is, are they willing to meet this market that’s gotten crazy where players are making $30-35 million per year at the receiver position,” Fowler said. “My sense is they’re just not even close to that, and McLaurin senses that, which is why he’s spoken out publicly. So they have a big gap they’ve got to try to fill here, but it looks like he’s going to be a Commander regardless.”
Here’s Jeremy Fowler hinting Washington isn’t near $30M/year WR money for Terry.
“My sense is they aren’t even close to that…. they have a big gap they have to fill” pic.twitter.com/fYKntecfdM
— obvlon (@obvlon) July 19, 2025
Is McLaurin willing to sit out for a portion, or all of training camp? He’s the type of guy you need in the building. Not because he’ll get behind from a football perspective, but because of his leadership. His presence alone means everything to the Commanders. Additionally, do you think head coach Dan Quinn wants to answer questions about McLaurin’s contract this summer and into the season? Of course, he doesn’t, and he doesn’t want his players to have that distraction either.
All it takes is one call to get things rolling. Will that call happen this week?
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders, Terry McLaurin reportedly not close on a new deal