JULY 24: During an appearance on the Rich Eisen Show (video link), NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero noted McLaurin is currently in the Virginia area as his holdout continues. Per Pelissero, all options – anything from requesting a trade to backing down and playing the 2025 season without an extension in hand – remain on the table at this point. In the absence of an agreement, an escalation on the part of McLaurin’s camp looms as a potential development in this saga.
JULY 22: Terry McLaurin did not report to Commanders training camp, according to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, marking the start of a holdout amid his protracted extension talks with the team.
Washington’s veterans were due to report today for a conditioning test, which was described as an “unofficial start” to training camp by Schefter. McLaurin was the only Commander not in attendance, which is expected to remain the case until he reaches an agreement on a new contract.
General manager Adam Peters made it clear earlier today that the organization would “do whatever we can to get a deal done,” although the front office apparently didn’t show enough urgency to avoid a holdout. McLaurin will now face daily fines of $50K for missed practices.
Entering the final season of his three-year, $68MM extension from 2022, McLaurin has cited recent deals signed at his position. Garrett Wilson was the most recent wideout to receive a lucrative extension, as the Jets WR garnered a four-year, $130MM contract that included $90MM in guaranteed money. McLaurin’s situation is a bit unique considering he’s set to enter his age-30 campaign, but the Commanders star could still expect a hefty payout on his next deal.
The former third-round pick has topped 900 receiving yards in each of his six NFL seasons, including five-straight years of 1,000-plus yards. The 2024 season was one of the most productive campaigns of his career, as McLaurin finished with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns.
While the Commanders appear motivated to work out a long-term pact, there shouldn’t be a lack of suitors if the organization suddenly pivots to a trade. Just the other day, we heard that the Patriots would have interest in acquiring the star receiver, and New England surely wouldn’t be the only potential landing spot for the Pro Bowler.
In the meantime, McLaurin’s absence will give several players an opportunity to push for first-team reps in Washington. This group includes veterans K.J. Osborn and Michael Gallup as well as recent draftees Luke McCaffrey and Jaylin Lane.
Ben Levine contributed to this post.
Should have just paid him instead of wasting money to acquire Deebo Samuel who’s best days are behind him.
Adam Peters and Josh Harris don’t be Jerrah Jones type of guys
Washington is being really, really stupid right now.
McLaurin IS their offense and Daniels’ only legit receiver.
These holdouts are dumb. Just show up and say you tweaked your hamstring. Collect money (and avoid fines) while withholding services.
At that point he goes on workers comp and workers comp finds nothing wrong with him. They quietly call a deputy and he’ll be handcuffed for workers comp fraud. Love nothing better to see him get 10 years in prison.
You want him to go to prison?
Seek psychological help.
Not only is he far and away their best offensive weapon and arguably far and away the best non-QB on the team, but this is a team short on draft picks with a huge number of guys hitting free agency in a year. They have plenty of cap space in 2026. There are lots of reasons to just get this done.
Well, the advantage is that the others can get more practice reps with Daniel’s, I suppose. Maybe Washington really is considering a trade, on the other hand, which would be…interesting for Daniels’ development.
It’s difficult to say anything about this holdout versus Hendrickson’s, because that has been so public and long coming while this one hasn’t had as much public handwringing, so I’ll refrain from commenting on that aspect of it.
At trade deadline trade him to the worst team in the league for a seven round pick