Terry McLaurin is coming off the best season of his career, and it couldn’t have come at a more opportune time. With his contract set to expire after the 2025 season, the Washington Commanders’ star receiver is poised to break the bank with his next deal.
McLaurin notched a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns in 2024 and earned his first All-Pro selection, solidifying himself as one of the league’s top wideouts.
Now, amid contract negotiations, the Ohio State product is skipping voluntary organized team activities (OTAs). However, Washington fans have little reason to worry. McLaurin did the same in 2022 before agreeing to his current deal.
The front office has made it clear that signing him long-term is a top priority.
“We want to make Terry a Commander for a long time,” general manager Adam Peters said at the NFL’s spring meetings in March.
More Than Just a Star Receiver
McLaurin’s value extends beyond on-field production. Now entering his seventh season with the team, he’s become one of Washington’s longest-tenured players. He is a cornerstone of Washington’s culture and a respected presence in the locker room.
“[McLaurin] got better and better as the season went on, not only as a player but as a leader,” Peters said. “It was really impressive to see him grow so much.”
The Commanders appear determined to keep McLaurin in burgundy and gold long-term, but doing so won’t be cheap.
What Will His Next Contract Look Like?
The 29-year-old is currently on one of the most team-friendly deals in the league. His contract averages $23.2 million a year, just the 16th-highest among wide receivers, and he’s due $25.5 million next season, per Over the Cap. It’s a bargain of a contract in comparison to the league’s other top receivers.
Eight wideouts are on contracts with average annual salaries north of $30 million, led by Ja’Marr Chase at $40.25 million yearly.
While McLaurin likely won’t reach the same pay tier as the 2024 receiving triple crown winner, his next deal should place him among the league’s top 10 highest-paid receivers, if not higher.
Fellow 2019 draftee D.K. Metcalf agreed to a contract extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers this offseason worth roughly $33 million annually, making him the NFL’s fourth-highest paid receiver. Though Metcalf is two years younger than McLaurin, their production has been comparable over the past three seasons.
Based on the current market, McLaurin’s next contract will likely fall between $28 million and $32 million per year.
Regardless of the exact details, retaining its top receiver rightfully seems to be Washington’s top priority for the remainder of the offseason.
