The Washington Commanders have reached a three-year, $96 million contract with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, a deal that carries an average annual value of $32 million and keeps him firmly in Washington through the 2027 season. The agreement comes after a short holdout that evolved into a hold-in and a trade request, with McLaurin ultimately staying in the nation’s capital.
The deal places McLaurin among the NFL’s elite at the position, ranking sixth in average annual value for wide receivers. His price tag rose in the wake of recent extensions, including DK Metcalf’s four-year, $132 million pact and Garrett Wilson’s four-year, $130 million agreement, which made a strong case that top-tier receivers were commanding big-money deals this cycle.
McLaurin had told reporters that the team hadn’t discussed an extension with his representatives in more than a month prior to training camp, describing the stalemate as frustrating and disappointing before Washington finally rewarded its top pass-catcher.
Last season, McLaurin was a driving force for the Commanders, totaling 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a franchise-record 13 receiving touchdowns. He accounted for 44.8% of Washington’s receiving TDs, the third-highest percentage for any player on a team, trailing only Brian Thomas Jr. and Malik Nabers in that metric.
McLaurin arrived in Washington as the franchise’s most consistent offensive threat since entering the league in 2019. He sits sixth in franchise history in receiving yards (6,379) and is one of only six players to reach 900 receiving yards in his first six NFL seasons. As a rookie he posted 58 catches for 919 yards and seven touchdowns, and he has surpassed 1,000 receiving yards in each of the past five seasons despite frequent changes at quarterback.
In the playoffs last season, McLaurin was a pivotal weapon for Washington. He had seven receptions for 89 yards and a touchdown in the wild-card win over the Buccaneers, followed by four catches for 87 yards and a TD in the divisional-round upset of the Lions. He also contributed three receptions for 51 yards and another score in the NFC Championship loss to the Eagles.
As Washington enters 2025, the hype around the team continues to grow. BetMGM odds have the Commanders among teams with shorter Super Bowl projections, underscoring the belief that McLaurin and Washington’s offense will be a central catalyst for a potential deep playoff run.
Summary and outlook:
– McLaurin locks in stability for a key core piece of Washington’s offense with a premium three-year deal.
– The extension signals confidence in the player largely responsible for the team’s recent surge and aligns with the broader market for elite wide receivers.
– Washington’s offense now boasts a high-priced, proven playmaker who can anchor the unit as the franchise eyes continued competitive relevance in 2025 and beyond.
– Positive outlook: The continuation of a productive pairing between McLaurin and Washington’s developing offense bodes well for sustained success and fan optimism.