The Washington Commanders have been dealing with some drama involving star wide receiver Terry McLaurin during the start of training camp. On Sunday morning, the situation took an unexpected turn when McLaurin, who had been holding out from the start of training camp in search of a new contract, reported to the team.
While McLaurin’s arrival seems like good news, the Commanders immediately placed him on the Physically Unable to Perform list with an ankle injury. That wasn’t the only move the front office opted to make after this surprising development, as they released a former undrafted cornerback, which could be in anticipation of needing to clear a roster spot for McLaurin.
Commanders Release Fentrell Cypress After Terry McLaurin’s Training Camp Arrival
Throughout the offseason, McLaurin has made it clear that he’s looking for a new contract. As he enters the final year of his three-year, $68.3 million deal, that shouldn’t come as much of a surprise. And while the Commanders agree that McLaurin is deserving of an extension, they have balked at his price tag, which reportedly exceeds $30 million per year.
After holding out for the first four days of training camp, McLaurin’s decision to report is somewhat encouraging, as it indicates that the two sides could be making progress toward a new deal. Having McLaurin in the building is better than him being away from the team, as he initially was, but he’s still not taking the field, so there’s still work to be done.
In anticipation of McLaurin’s return, the Commanders’ front office decided to make another roster move after he arrived in town. That led to Fentrell Cypress, a cornerback from the Florida State Seminoles who latched on with Washington after going undrafted in 2025, getting released, cutting his time with the team short.
“We have made the following roster moves: Reinstated WR Terry McLaurin from Reserve/Did Not Report and placed him on the Active/Physically Unable to Perform List. Released CB Fentrell Cypress,” the Commanders announced in a post on X.
Commanders Continue to Chip Away at Terry McLaurin Deal
Cypress was always going to be a long shot to make the Commanders’ roster, so if the team needs to move on from him in order to create a roster spot for McLaurin, they will do that 10 times out of 10. While it may be a bit premature since McLaurin doesn’t have a deal and isn’t practicing, it’s further indication that a new contract could be on the horizon.
For now, Washington is going to continue practicing without their All-Pro pass-catcher, but there are several signs that indicate the two sides could be close to finally agreeing on a new contract. After practicing on Sunday morning, the Commanders will be back in action again on Monday at 8 a.m. ET.
