The Washington Commanders may soon look back at quarterback Jayden Daniels’ rookie season and wonder how he managed to lead his team to the NFC Championship Game, given the challenges posed by an offense filled with struggling players. The key to Daniels’ success, however, was veteran wide receiver Terry McLaurin. McLaurin set a franchise record with 13 touchdown receptions and earned his first All-Pro honors after a season in which he accumulated 82 catches and 1,096 yards.
Analyst Alex Ballentine from Bleacher Report suggests that the Commanders’ next move should be securing a long-term deal for McLaurin, calling him the most deserving player of a pay raise due to his consistent production despite playing with subpar quarterbacks. His fifth consecutive 1,000-yard season, even with Daniels at quarterback, speaks to McLaurin’s resilience and ability to thrive in difficult circumstances.
Further supporting the need for McLaurin’s extension, USA Today’s Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz also highlighted him as a prime candidate for a significant contract this offseason. At 30 years old, McLaurin remains a key figure for Washington, and with just one year left on his current deal, an extension could help the Commanders manage his $25.5 million cap hit and avoid a potential bidding war in the receiver market.
Spotrac projects McLaurin to receive a three-year, $89.7 million extension, which would make him one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the NFL. He is set to enter the final year of the contract he signed in 2022, and the Commanders may want to act quickly to lock him down before his value increases further.
In 2025, McLaurin will have an elite teammate alongside him for the first time, as the Commanders acquired All-Pro wide receiver Deebo Samuel in a trade. With Samuel and Pro Bowl tackle Laremy Tunsil now on the roster, the Commanders are clearly pushing all-in for a Super Bowl run. Given McLaurin’s durability and consistent performance over six seasons, securing his future with the team is essential to their championship aspirations.
