ASHBURN, Va. (AP) — Jayden Daniels publicly supported Terry McLaurin’s case for a new contract extension.
As he now aids the Washington Commanders top receiver’s expedited ramp-up period before Week 1, the franchise quarterback offers more than words.
“Whatever we have to do to get ready for Week 1,” Daniels said Thursday of helping McLaurin’s acclimation period after skipping training camp because of a contract dispute that was resolved earlier this week.
The QB was all smiles discussing the return of his most popular playmaker, given that he spent camp without his two projected starting outside receivers. Noah Brown missed significant time with a knee injury, while McLaurin, entering the final year of his current deal, pushed for an extension.
McLaurin got it Monday, a contract through 2028 valued at up to $96 million, signed Tuesday and got back on the field Wednesday to resume preparations for the season opener Sept. 7 against the New York Giants.
Washington’s offense, fifth in scoring at 28.5 points per game last season, paved the way to making the playoffs and reaching the franchise’s first NFC championship game appearance since the 1991 season. The passing duo of Daniels, the AP Offensive Rookie of the Year, and McLaurin, a second-team All-Pro, provided the spark.
During McLaurin’s return on Wednesday after missing all of camp and some offseason workouts, he made an over-the-shoulder catch that was reminiscent of special moments from last season.
“It’s like riding a bike,” McLaurin told Daniels.
The on-field absence — McLaurin was with the team after turning his four-day hold out into a hold-in — didn’t sway Daniels’ level of trust when throwing to the two-time Pro Bowler.
“I don’t think that changes,” Daniels said. “Same amount of trust.”