Terry McLaurin, the Commanders’ top wideout, recently inked a three-year deal worth $71 million, including $28 million guaranteed. This deal has the potential to be worth $96 million over the next three years! This agreement solidifies his standing in the organization. It comes on the heels of a frustrating and uncertain stretch for his contract situation. The resolution of his contract not only enhances McLaurin’s financial standing but significantly benefits the Commanders’ offensive strategy as they prepare for the upcoming season.
The Washington Commanders were fifth in points and seventh in yards last year. McLaurin was central to their relentless attack. He advances the ball with passes and/or by drawing defenders, creating quantifiable space for his teammates. This creative skill set gives space to other offensive players and is what makes him crucial to the team’s success. With McLaurin back in the fold, expect to see the Commanders open up the offense to deeper passing options, adding to their offensive versatility and explosiveness.
McLaurin’s contract extension sets his average salary at a level stacked heavily in his favor by league standards. It’s his community work, as well as his performance on the field, that has captured the hearts of fans. They love him for his amazing output and work ethic. McLaurin as an offensive temperamental litmus test proves just how invaluable he is as a player. Since joining the NFL, he’s had to adjust with ten different starting QBs. His deep dedication to this team and its success shines through.
Though his contract negotiations have resulted in a positive outcome—one that McLaurin was clearly instrumental in garnering—there have been bumps on his road to today’s success. On July 15, he had a very public meltdown at a 30-minute press conference about his current contract status. He subsequently failed to report to training camp a week later. This resulted in a four-day-long holdout. His absence led to a fine of $200,000 for missing key practice time.
In fact, McLaurin non-traditionally demanded a trade before his new deal was finalized. The organization certainly wasn’t taken unawares by this action. As negotiations continued, the two parties dutifully responded to his demands in good faith. It quickly became apparent that they were serious about working with those concerned to reach an agreeable resolution.
The addition of QB Jayden Daniels should only elevate McLaurin’s performance on the field even further. NFL Next Gen Stats show Daniels with a stellar QBR of 88.4 when targeting McLaurin on nine routes. This combination of quarterback play and receiver talent threatens to unlock an entirely new layer of creativity to the Commanders’ offense.
In reflecting on the significance of McLaurin’s extension, head coach Kliff Kingsbury noted, “Until we get some of these other pieces back, we’re not going to know exactly what we are. … That’s something we have to get to over the next three weeks.” Cohesion within teams is one of the most important factors to success. Key contributors such as McLaurin are major cornerstones in designing the Commanders’ identity and future going forward.
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