by: Alana Brown-Davis
The Washington Commanders and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin have agreed to a 3 year contract extension. This deal is worth $96 million. This is a big move on the Commanders’ behalf to retain players. As Week 1 of NFL primetime approaches, teams are determined to make retention their foundation for successful seasons. This middle ground between Terry McLaurin and the Commanders hints at brighter days for them both.
It has been a complicated journey to this deal between the Commanders and McLaurin. Earlier this summer, McLaurin was visibly frustrated about stalled contract negotiations in a news conference. He was so discouraged to the point that he did not attend mandatory mini camp, contemplating not showing up to training at all.
“I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not gonna lie,” McLaurin told reporters. “Everything that has transpired up to this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I’ve wanted to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here, so this is somewhere where I’ve always wanted to be.”
He was fined approximately $300,000 for missing the minicamp as well as the first few days of training. Eventually, he was placed on injury reserve with an ankle injury that is said to have occurred during practice. McLaurin went so far as to request a trade at the end of July.
McLaurin certainly has a kinship with Washington. He was drafted in the third round by Washington in 2019 from Ohio State University. In six years, has been with them through a swath of quarterbacks and new faces. With the entrance of rookie QB Jayden Daniels last season, him and McLaurin have become what the franchise needs. He’s appeared at two Pro Bowls and made second team All Pro last year.