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The Washington Commanders have been fairly aggressive this offseason in building a stronger supporting cast around quarterback Jayden Daniels. However, it seems that approach reportedly hasn’t carried over into negotiations with wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
ESPN NFL reporter Adam Schefter said on the Pat McAfee Show that the Commanders have “not made any progress” in contract talks with McLaurin in recent weeks. The two sides are “not close” in their contract proposals and there are no signs of the situation improving anytime soon.
Related: Washington Commanders, Terry McLaurin ‘not in a great place’ right now
McLaurin didn’t report for mandatory minicamp as part of a holdout to try to land a new multi-year extension. Heading into his age-30 season, McLaurin is in a contract year and looking for a deal that makes him one of the highest-paid NFL players at his position.
A two-time Pro Bowl selection, McLaurin’s performance on the field this past season certainly merits a new deal. He recorded the second-most receptions in his career (82) and set career-highs in receiving touchdowns (13), first downs (56) and Success Rate (58.1 percent).
Related: Reporter sheds light on potential cost of Terry McLaurin contract extension
Commanders’ beat reporters have expressed confidence that a contract extension will be worked out, likely just before training camp opens. However, just a few weeks out from camp opening, it appears the two sides haven’t made any progress since McLaurin’s holdout started.
Washington isn’t necessarily at any real risk of losing McLaurin in 2026 because it can use the franchise tag on him to prevent him from reaching NFL free agency. However, the organization’s hard-line negotiations with a team leader who has delivered five consecutive 1,000-yard seasons might not necessarily be the right message to send to the locker room by the front office.
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