Terry McLaurin finally did it! After months of postponed negotiations, missing practice sessions, and training camp, the Washington Commanders finally agreed. The WR was extended just a few hours ago, as the franchise revealed on social media. And the best part is that the signed deal is around the same numbers he expected. Yes! He has joined the ranks of the highest-paid receivers and the happiest of all his Deebo Samuel. Guess how?

McLaurin has proven himself to be the backbone of the Commanders’ offense. Even when the quarterback chaos occupied the front office and coaching staff, he never disappointed the team on the field. And last season, when the team finally resolved the QB havoc, drafting Jayden Daniels, McLaurin recorded career-high numbers while being a true pillar for the rookie signal-caller. However, as he entered the final year of his contract, he demanded a deserving number from the franchise, above at least $33 million. 

There were tons of back-and-forths. Washington wasn’t expected to go beyond $27 to $28 million. But they truly proved how much the front office values talents like McLaurin and signed a $96 million contract, with a $30 million signing bonus. As they shared the good news on Instagram, Samuel shared the post on his story with a caption, “Let’s get to it twinnnnn,” and tagged McLaurin. 

Samuel recently joined the clan of Commanders. And up until last season with the San Francisco 49ers, he was somewhat in the same position as the two-time Pro Bowler. Just like him, Samuel also requested a trade and was eventually sent to Washington this offseason. Seeing his new teammate in a similar situation, he said, “I’ve been through [a trade request]. I know the stressful toll of it. … I would love to see Terry out here,” he said. But subtly added that the franchise needs to work things out, saying, “The business side of things, things got to [be handled].”

And the franchise heard loud and clear. McLaurin now ties with Eagles’ AJ Brown with an average annual compensation of $32 million, the sixth-highest paid. How could they not have extended him? The legend who brought home the first Super Bowl trophy, Joe Theismann, made a case for the Second-team All-Pro wideout. 

“He needs to be paid. He needs to be paid right away,” Theismann said. “He sort of fits into that Jerry Rice category, where he’s not a burner, he doesn’t get all the publicity, he doesn’t get all the hype, but he’s as good as anybody that plays this game.” If that doesn’t convince one, nothing can! Fortunately, the Commanders didn’t disappoint anyone, especially McLaurin, who stood by the team through thick and thin, and all he asked was to receive deserved pay. 

Veteran leader Terry McLaurin ready for Week 1 return

With Samuel and McLaurin, the Commanders’ offense is going to be lethal this upcoming season. And that seems to be a warning for their opponents. Having the cornerstone of the offense back is a huge boost to the locker room, and perhaps this is exactly what they need to overcome the preseason slips. He’s coming off a season with career high 13 TDs–second best across the league and team high 82 catches. 

And since he was already taken off the PUP list, he has enough time to settle in for Week 1 after his sit-out throughout the summer. The veteran also holds great respect in the locker room, having served as captain for many years. Upon the news of his return, his teammate Tyler Biadasz expressed his excitement, saying, “Hopefully he comes back on the field and we get him back. We’re always excited for it.” Now, not only is he returning, but the 29-year-old is returning happily with his focus only on the gridiron.

Last season was a miracle for the Commanders, and this season, with their offseason moves, they have ascertained that there isn’t any room for shortcomings in the clubhouse. Besides Samuel, they also brought in veteran star offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil to protect rookie Daniels in the upcoming season. Rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt is exceeding expectations; the running back situation also appears to be handled. They’re all set for 2025, and it won’t be anything less than brutal for their opponents.