Commanders Reportedly Want Terry McLaurin with Team 'For Life' amid Contract Rumors

Although the Washington Commanders and star wide receiver Terry McLaurin are currently embroiled in a contract dispute, the Commanders are reportedly committed to keeping the two-time Pro Bowler around for the long haul.

Speaking Saturday on SportsCenter (beginning at the 1:40 mark), ESPN NFL insider Jeremy Fowler said a team source told him they want McLaurin to be "a Commander for life."

McLaurin skipped the Commanders' mandatory minicamp this week due to his desire for a new contract with Fowler noting that McLaurin has been unhappy with his deal for some time.

Originally selected by Washington in the third round of the 2019 NFL draft, the former Ohio State standout signed a three-year, $68.36 million contract extension in 2022.

He is set to enter the final year of his contract in 2025, and he is coming off the best statistical season of his career, perhaps giving McLaurin some leverage in negotiations.

McLaurin reached the 1,000-yard receiving mark for a fifth consecutive season in 2024, finishing with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards, plus he set a new career high with 13 touchdowns, earning him his second Pro Bowl nod in three years.

The 29-year-old veteran was also named a Second Team All-Pro for the first time, and he instantly established himself as the favorite target of quarterback Jayden Daniels, who won Offensive Rookie of the Year honors.

With Daniels and McLaurin leading the way on offense, the Commanders were among the NFL's most pleasant surprises last season, going 12-5 and reaching the NFC Championship Game for the first time since winning the Super Bowl in 1991.

Washington added to its skill-position group this offseason, acquiring one-time Pro Bowler and First Team All-Pro wideout Deebo Samuel in a trade with the San Francisco 49ers.

While Samuel has put up WR1 numbers in the past, his versatility is his greatest strength, as he can line up all over the formation and even play some running back.

McLaurin is the unquestioned alpha in the Commanders' receiver room and Daniels' go-to guy, which suggests there may be a sense of urgency to get a deal done before or during training camp in order to avoid a potential holdout.