Commanders and Terry McLaurin reach three-year, $96 million contract extension

ASHBURN, Va. — The wait is finally over. The Washington Commanders have agreed to a three-year contract extension worth up to $96 million with wide receiver Terry McLaurin, according to multiple reports. Monday’s extension put to rest a tense summer of stalled negotiations that included a lengthy holdout.

While the official structuring of the contract has yet to be announced, early indications of the deal show that McLaurin will be one of the highest-paid receivers in the NFL, with an average annual value near $32 million.

McLaurin is entering the final year of his previous contract as one of Washington’s most reliable offensive weapons. He has posted more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of his first five seasons and set a franchise record with 13 touchdown receptions in 2024. His leadership and steady production made him a top priority for general manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn.

The Commanders are coming off their first winning season since 2016 and reached the NFC Championship Game for the first time in nearly 30 years behind rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. McLaurin’s chemistry with Daniels became a driving force in the team’s resurgence, and the extension ensures that partnership will continue into Daniels’ early career.

McLaurin began training camp with a hold-in and was placed on the physically unable to perform list while recovering from an ankle injury. He requested a trade on July 31 as contract frustration mounted, but was activated on Aug. 16. The new deal closes the saga and restores offensive continuity just ahead of the regular season opener. For McLaurin, the extension brings financial security and cements his status among the league’s elite receivers. For Washington, it secures the leader of its offense and keeps the team’s most trusted playmaker in Burgundy and Gold.