Everything was perfect for the Washington Commanders in 2025. The Commanders had their best season in 33 years, advancing to the NFC championship game. The culture shifted, fans were happy again, and there were no controversies.
Now, Washington’s front office and ownership group faces its most challenging task to date: what to do with wide receiver Terry McLaurin’s contract. McLaurin has one season remaining on his deal with a cap charge of just over $25 million in 2025. McLaurin has seen other less-proven receivers recently receive significantly more compensation than him, and rightfully wants a raise.
The Commanders want to reward McLaurin, but the two sides are at an impasse. How much is he worth? Let’s proceed with the understanding that we do not know what either side is asking for in these negotiations. But the magic number appears to be around $30 million per season.
That could be a problem for Washington because McLaurin turns 30 in September. The history isn’t great recently of paying receivers over the age of 30. Washington’s front office is in a position to pay McLaurin’s value while retaining future cap flexibility. The Commanders have a number, and so does McLaurin.
This isn’t your typical negotiation. Most teams would do what Washington is currently doing. However, most players aren’t Terry McLaurin. McLaurin has produced on the field every year since he was drafted in 2019. He’s done it with mediocre and worse quarterback play until last season when Jayden Daniels arrived. Daniels’ arrival coincided with McLaurin’s most productive season, scoring a career-high 13 touchdowns in the regular season. Not only has McLaurin produced, he’s done with a smile on his face. He’s never complained. He’s always there, always encouraging his teammates, never yelling at his quarterback if he doesn’t get the ball. The kind of player you want in the community speaking on behalf of your franchise. Terry McLaurin is a dream, as a player and a person.
General manager Adam Peters acknowledged how much Washington values McLaurin as a player and person. But what value do you place on both?
It would not be a good look for this regime, facing its first player unhappy over his contract, to not find a way to make a deal. They would be forgiven if the player were not McLaurin. Most everyone would agree it would be bad business. But this is different.
The Commanders should do right by McLaurin, but they also can’t just give in. It’s a negotiation for a reason. Both sides need to discuss the issues. Washington desperately needs McLaurin. He and Daniels quickly developed into one of the NFL’s best QB/WR duos. If the Commanders were without McLaurin, their offense would be in trouble. Sure, McLaurin isn’t in the same class as Ja’Marr Chase or Justin Jefferson, but he’s among the top 10-12 wide receivers in the NFL and a true No. 1.
Washington’s front office doesn’t want this hanging over the team, considering there are so many other positive vibes circulating. Something needs to happen. How will Peters and chief negotiator Brandon Sosna handle this? This is their first actual test, and it will be interesting to see the end result.
Everyone is watching this one.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ front office has a tough Terry McLaurin decision to make