Mandatory minicamp came and went without the Washington Commanders giving Terry McLaurin a new deal. Frustrations are reportedly growing, but the wide receiver gained support from an unlikely source as his contract stalemate continues.
The Commanders haven't bowed to McLaurin's demands as yet. Nobody is pressing the panic button, but the clock is ticking towards training camp. After skipping voluntary OTAs and Washington's minicamp, the team leader and two-time Pro Bowler needs to be on the field this summer.
McLaurin is reportedly unhappy with the lack of progress being made in talks. There are rumors that the guarantees attached are the stumbling block. Some common ground will be reached, but when that happens is the big question nobody knows the answer to right now.
Calvin Johnson Jr. urges Commanders to pay Terry McLaurin what he deserves
Calvin Johnson Jr. threw his support behind McLaurin during an appearance on the Up and Adams Show. The Pro Football Hall of Fame wideout urged the Commanders to pay up after everything the former third-round pick had given to the franchise. And the sooner they do it, the better.
"I'm assuming it's got something to do with the pay, so pay the man. The man has been nothing but consistent. I don't know Terry [McLaurin] very well, but from afar, the guy has been nothing but consistent for that organization. He's been a staple there in Washington for his whole career. He plays well, he steps up in big games, and I love watching the kid. He's always making plays. Come on Magic [Johnson], pay the man."
Calvin Johnson Jr.
"Come on Magic, pay the man!"
Calvin Johnson on Commanders WR Terry McLaurin.@heykayadams | @calvinjohnsonjr | @MagicJohnson pic.twitter.com/HaRriLpsPR
— Up & Adams (@UpAndAdamsShow) June 12, 2025
This is a sentiment echoed by fans. Adam Peters is looking for the right deal that benefits the Commanders and doesn't jeopardize future financial flexibility. At the same time, McLaurin has earned every cent coming his way.
That will be north of $30 million per season upon further examination of the current market. But again, you cannot put a price on McLaurin's outstanding influence on and off the field.
Nobody is overly concerned at the moment. There is no bad blood or a trade request — that's not going to happen. McLaurin loves the franchise, and Peters has already declared his intent to give the wideout a contract that could potentially make him a Washington football lifer.
Now that Washington's offseason program is out of the way, Peters should make this his top priority. McLaurin is a franchise cornerstone, a huge community presence, and a revered teammate. He's the poster child for everything good the Commanders are trying to build. And the situation is already becoming a distraction they don't need.
Johnson is right. Pay the man his money. It's the least he deserves.
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