Washington Commanders’ wide receiver Terry McLaurin, dubbed "Scary Terry," is locked in a tense contract dispute, threatening his future with the team. At 30, he’s chasing a deal matching the NFL’s elite receivers. Will he stay, or could a team like the New England Patriots swoop in and make a blockbuster move?
McLaurin’s 2024 season dazzled, with 82 catches, 1,096 yards, and a career-high 13 touchdowns.. His five straight 1,000-yard seasons scream value. Yet, his $15.5 million base salary for 2025 lags behind top earners.
With the chemistry he has built up alongside second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels, the Commanders should just pay the man.
Frustration brews as talks stall. “There’s no update on the Terry McLaurin situation, and that’s the problem,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter said on The Pat McAfee Show. McLaurin skipped minicamp, signaling unrest. Time’s ticking for Washington, with $21.6 million in cap space to lock him in alongside Daniels.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates while leaving the field with Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) after their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium.
Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) celebrates while leaving the field with Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner (54) after their game against the Philadelphia Eagles at Northwest Stadium.
© Geoff Burke-Imagn Images
Are the Patriots poised to step in? With Stefon Diggs, 31, recovering from an ACL tear and rookie Kyle Williams unproven, McLaurin could be QB Drake Maye’s WR1. New England’s $60+ million cap space sweetens the deal.
McLaurin’s leadership shines, as one of the longest tenured members of the Commanders, he stood out as a leader on and off the field, mentoring young receivers like Dyami Brown.
A trade would seriously hurt Washington’s offense, but if the team can't come to terms with McLaurin soon, New England should be jumping at the opportunity to add a player of "Scary Terry's"caliber.