The Washington Commanders are facing an uncertain future with the contract extension of star wide receiver Terry McLaurin. The team’s general manager, Adam Peters, expressed his commitment to keeping McLaurin but acknowledged that there is a salary cap ceiling that needs to be considered.
Peters stated that the team values McLaurin and expects him to report for training camp. However, McLaurin was not present at the recent team meeting or conditioning test, leaving it unclear when he will join his teammates. The team’s decision on extending McLaurin is influenced by market value, with comparisons made to other top receivers like DK Metcalf.
According to NFL statistics, McLaurin’s current average annual value (AAV) of $23.2 million places him two spots below teammate Deebo Samuel in the league rankings. In contrast, Metcalf’s four-year, $132 million extension earned him a higher AAV of $32.99 million.
While some may argue that McLaurin deserves more, considering his past durability and reliability, others counter that Metcalf’s deal sets a precedent for younger receivers like McLaurin. The Commanders must balance their desire to retain McLaurin with the need to manage their salary cap for future years.
The team has a history of avoiding favoritism among players under previous ownership, which could impact McLaurin’s expectations and his ability to garner respect from his peers. It is likely that negotiations will be slow and potentially contentious, with McLaurin seeking an extension at market value.
The Commanders’ roster construction for the upcoming season hangs in the balance, with hard decisions about player retention and contract extensions possible. McLaurin’s presence on the team is considered crucial, but uncertainty surrounding his future cannot be ignored.
Source: https://www.nytimes.com/athletic/6508867/2025/07/22/terry-mclaurin-commanders-contract-gm-adam-peters