Washington Commanders Lock Up Terry McLaurin With Huge Extension

The deal is done. After months of back and forth, the Washington Commanders have reached an agreement on a three-year, $96 million extension with Terry McLaurin. The star wideout was drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft by Washington, playing with 13 different starting quarterbacks. With this deal, it is ensured he will remain with Washington in the foreseeable future, as well as for the rest of his career.

Why This Move Makes Sense For the Team and McLaurin

Extending “Scary Terry” was a no-brainer move for the Commanders, locking down their superstar wide receiver to play alongside Jayden Daniels. He has had five 1,000-yard seasons. That is tied for the most since 2020. While some may see this deal as an overpay, it helps Washington win now, while Daniels is on his rookie contract. Last year, the wide receiver had over 1,000 yards and 13 touchdowns. That was second amongst WRs in the NFL.

For the first time in his career with Washington, McLaurin finally has a real quarterback. He will continue to build the connection with Daniels, as the Commanders will look to make a deep playoff run.

Was It An Overpay?

For what McLaurin did last season and the role he plays in the offense, I would say it was well worth it. Washington clearly views their team as a Super Bowl contender, with Daniels at the helm. McLaurin’s new deal will pay him the most money ever earned by a WR entering his age-30 season in NFL history. With this deal, the contracts run perfectly between Daniels and McLaurin. Both of their deals expire at the end of the 2028 season.

Making $32 million annually, McLaurin ties Philadelphia Eagles WR AJ Brown as the sixth-highest-paid receiver in the league. Another positive for this extension is McLaurin’s ability to stay healthy, playing 17 games for four straight seasons. Having him under contract helps the Commanders address different areas of need in future seasons, not having to worry about their focal point on offense.

Final Thoughts

The addition of Deebo Samuel will also only help McLaurin. Throughout his career, he hasn’t had a solidified WR2 in the offense, and having Samuel will only give the defense more problems. Another thing that will help the receiver is Daniels’ familiarity with this offense heading into year two, with their connection only going to get stronger.

Overall, it was a great deal for both sides. It helps the Commanders compete for a Super Bowl while Daniels is on a rookie contract, and gives McLaurin peace of mind heading into what will be his age-30 season.