After holding out for the first four days, Terry McLaurin, a receiver for the Washington Commanders, showed up at training camp on Sunday without a new contract. He was placed on the physically unable to perform list due to an ankle injury.
Coach Dan Quinn mentioned that McLaurin will train with the staff on the side, and it’s unclear if he will join practice once his ankle heals. He is looking for a contract extension since there is only one year left on his current agreement.
“On the business side, [GM Adam Peters] and his team are still working hard with Terry and his agents,” Quinn said. “While he’s on PUP, we handle it like we do with other players—he’ll work with trainers to return as soon as possible.”
McLaurin faced fines of $50,000 each day he missed at training camp, totaling $200,000.
The two sides are still not in agreement on a contract and will keep talking about a new deal.
Quinn mentioned that he met with McLaurin on Saturday night, who had been struggling with an ankle injury at the end of last season.
“It was awesome,” Quinn said. “I’m really excited that he’s here.”
The Commanders kicked off training camp on July 23. Fans can start attending practices beginning Sunday.
Earlier this month, McLaurin stated he wouldn’t take the field without seeing some “progress” on a new contract. His presence doesn’t necessarily indicate any advancements since he’s not expected to participate.
“It’s part of our business,” Peters commented on the first day of camp. “You want to get these things resolved quickly, but it doesn’t always work out that way. … You’re working with a fantastic player and an even better person, so you have to keep that in mind and ensure every conversation is clear and honest while maintaining that mindset… knowing our goal is to finalize a deal.
“Whatever happens along the way, just remember he’s an excellent player and we want him to stay here.”
McLaurin hasn’t publicly revealed what type of contract he seeks, but he did mention last week that “given how the market is right now, it reflects what players like me deserve.”
This offseason saw several key wide receivers signing long-term contracts, including Tee Higgins from the Bengals (four years for $115 million with $40.9 million guaranteed), DK Metcalf from the Steelers (four years for $132 million with $60 million guaranteed), and Garrett Wilson from the Jets (four years for $130 million with $90 million guaranteed).
McLaurin will celebrate his 30th birthday in September, an age when teams often think a receiver might begin to decline. Last week, he mentioned that he has only played seven seasons in the NFL, and that he didn’t get much playing time during his first two years at Ohio State. He doesn’t want people to judge him based on what others have done before him.
McLaurin said he wants them to consider his situation individually.
Last year, two veteran top receivers signed contract extensions. Miami’s Tyreek Hill, at 30 years old, agreed to a three-year deal worth $30 million each year, with $52.535 million guaranteed. Meanwhile, Tampa Bay’s Mike Evans, who is 31, signed a two-year contract for $41 million that includes $35 million guaranteed.
Since joining the NFL as a third-round pick in 2019, McLaurin has been Washington’s leading receiver. He has gained over 1,000 yards in each of the last five seasons and caught 13 touchdown passes in 2024, which is the second highest total in the NFL.
McLaurin is also seen as a team leader; his teammates voted him as a captain during the postseason last year (they rotated captains during the regular season), and he’s popular among fans.
Peters stated, “Everyone in this building truly values Terry.”
