On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders held a joint press conference featuring the team’s coach and general manager, where much of the attention centered on their disgruntled star receiver, Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin, who is seeking a new contract, may decide whether to participate in training camp based largely on the progress of ongoing negotiations.
While a holdout wouldn’t be unusual for a player in McLaurin’s position, the team is prepared for the possibility, though the situation could still prove to be a distraction.
Ultimately, McLaurin wants to keep the issue from disrupting team morale. According to FOX Sports NFL Insider Henry McKenna, McLaurin is “trying to bring a deal together, not breaking the team apart.”
The Commanders had a strong 2024 season, with McLaurin playing a crucial role. Despite already being an established NFL star, he had a career-best year in touchdowns, hauling in 13 scoring catches—six more than his previous personal record.
For the fifth consecutive season, McLaurin surpassed 1,000 receiving yards. His chemistry with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels was outstanding, and both players are eager to continue their partnership. However, it’s now up to Washington to finalize a new deal. “Without question, everyone here deeply values Terry,” Commanders GM Adam Peters said Tuesday morning. “We’ve had recent discussions and plan to continue them. We’re committed to doing everything possible to reach an agreement. Terry is not only a great player but also a great person, and that’s always at the forefront of our conversations. Our aim is to secure a long-term contract—he’s a key asset and we want to keep him.” Earlier this spring, McLaurin’s participation in voluntary workouts was brief. He subsequently held out during mandatory minicamp sessions, raising questions about how quarterback Jayden Daniels and coach Dan Quinn viewed his approach. Despite that, McLaurin has garnered strong backing from influential figures within the organization. For now, it appears both sides want to stay together, but only time will reveal whether a deal comes to fruition.