The Washington Commanders are about to embark on a frenetic few days that will shape the franchise's outlook in 2025. Adam Peters has his sights set firmly on free agency. There's also the lingering desire to get an extension worked out with wide receiver Terry McLaurin ahead of time.
McLaurin remains an integral part of the team's on-field strategy and an undisputed leader within the locker room. The prolific pass-catcher took his game to new heights with Jayden Daniels under center, earning his second Pro Bowl honor and a second-team All-Pro selection. He broke the franchise single-season record for receiving touchdowns and was a driving force in Washington's trip to the NFC Championship game.
Attention is firmly focused on recruitment. The Commanders also have 28 free agents with the legal tampering window on the immediate horizon. That might put McLaurin's new deal on the back burner for now, but one Washington insider believes it could happen soon.
Commanders insider believes Terry McLaurin will get $30 million per year on his next deal
Ben Standing from The Athletic thought McLaurin might get an early deal if the Commanders want to free up more cap space during an appearance on the Al Galdi podcast. He also believes Peters could wait given their healthy financial position despite trading for wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. One thing that wasn't in question is the money, which could work out at around $30 million per season when push comes to shove.
"They don't need cap space, but whenever an extension for Terry McLaurin comes out, you would think that they would lower the cap hit this year from the 20s to a more manageable number. If I probably had to guess, it just depends on what they agree to and does Washington want to create more cap space this year? I would guess later on, but it depends on whether they want that cap space or not. I think the answer is yes [$30 million per season]. If you're talking about brotherhood and camaraderie, part of that does come down to paying a guy, right? Who's a better role model for this place than this guy?"Ben Standig
McLaurin is going to get paid again by the Commanders, potentially with a deal that ensures he finishes out his career in Washington. When that arrives remains to be seen.
Peters recently committed $17.47 million to Samuel following his trade from the San Francisco 49ers, but this can be almost completely negated by veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen's departure via release or trade. An early extension for the Ohio State product is projected to save $14.3 million on the 2025 cap. That would help attract the right recruits with their Super Bowl window firmly open.
This is dependent on Peters' plans. McLaurin's future isn't any genuine concern. He loves the organization, is beloved by the fanbase, and has emerged as a huge influence within the community. He's also one of the league's most consistent wideouts — something that was emphatically enhanced once Daniels started to take the league by storm.
Timing is everything. Peters could get this done now and reap the benefits of extra cash. He could also wait until a little later in the summer to give the Commanders some breathing space for any additional moves in-season. Either way is fine, which is thanks to the shrewd moves made by the general manager in his first year on the job.
McLaurin isn't going to cause any unnecessary complications. He's a model professional revered among his peers. His task is solely focused on the football side. The financials will take care of themselves.
