Washington Commanders News & Rumors

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.

Reports of dissatisfaction in the case of Terry McLaurin have been prevalent through much of the Commanders’ offseason. No extension agreement is in place with training camp set to begin, but communication is taking place between team and player.

“I think everybody in this building values Terry very much,” general manager Adam Peters said on Tuesday when speaking to the media (via Nicki Jhabvala of the Washington Post). “We knew that coming in and we know that even more after spending a year with him… We’ll do whatever we can to get a deal done.”

Peters and McLaurin have long had a mutual desire to work out a new deal. One year remains on the Pro Bowl wideout’s current pact, but a raise is in store and an extension would lower his scheduled cap charge of $25.5MM. McLaurin’s latest comments made it clear he is not happy with the lack of progress in negotiations, leading to the expectation he will not participate in camp until an agreement is struck. Peters noted he expects the 29-year-old to attend camp, but that could simply be the precursor to a hold-in effort.

Of course, things could change in a short period in this situation as deadlines (artificial or otherwise) often lead to contract breakthroughs. After skipping minicamp, though, McLaurin and the Commanders have considerable progress to make in time for Week 1. The difficult nature of contract talks has proven to be a surprise so far. Peters nevertheless made it clear that hammering out a new pact remains a priority, adding (via ESPN’s John Keim) the parties have spoken recently.

Zero traction being gained in the wake of renewed negotiations would obviously add further to this unwanted storyline as the Commanders aim to build off last year’s success. While Deebo Samuel was acquired via trade, McLaurin is of course on track to once again serve as the focal point of the team’s passing attack. With five straight 1,000-yard campaigns to his name, the Ohio State product could be in line to join the list of wideouts averaging $30MM or more per season.

Zagging (in terms of deciding to trade an extension-eligible player instead of committing to a new pact) has taken place in a number of receiver cases recently, including 2025. If Washington was to consider a trade, the Patriots would become a suitor to watch. Still, it would come as a surprise if such a move were to receiving serious consideration, particularly if progress can be made at the negotiating table relatively soon.

Years of production with underwhelming quarterback play has helped McLaurin’s value to the Commanders. He will be expected to remain a foundational member of the team’s offense come Week 1, but at this point it is still unclear if an agreement will have been reached by that point.