Terry McLaurin Placed on PUP List After Reporting to Commanders amid Contract Rumors

The Washington Commanders announced Sunday they placed wide receiver Terry McLaurin on the physically unable to perform list.

The two-time Pro Bowler hadn't yet arrived to training camp while holding out for a new contract. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, he reported to the team Saturday but had "some sort of ankle injury."

Showing up to the Commanders' facility means McLaurin is no longer subject to a daily fine of $50,000.

McLaurin immediately began signing autographs for fans and praised the crowd and teammates upon his return:

Head coach Dan Quinn told reporters McLaurin's ankle injury dates back to the end of the 2024 season and they'll continue to discuss a new contract:

Washington can remove the veteran pass-catcher from the PUP list at any point during training camp. The deadline to make a firm decision on his status is Aug. 26, when teams have to cut their roster down to 53 players.

Should McLaurin's ankle injury require him to remain unavailable, he'd have to be shifted to the reserve/PUP list, which means missing at least the first four games of the regular season.

The 29-year-old is coming off his fifth straight 1,000-yard receiving season. He caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, adding another 227 yards and three scores during Washington's run to the NFC title game.

McLaurin signed a three-year extension worth a little more than $68.3 million in 2022. Beyond being a consistent threat in Washington's aerial attack, he has watched he receiver market climb ever higher since agreeing to his last contract.

His average salary ($22.8 million) ranks 17th at the position and falls well below Spotrac's projection of his market value ($31.1 million).

As the reporting Sunday made abundantly clear, this situation is far from resolved, and having McLaurin in camp is unlikely to minimize the spotlight on his desire for a new deal.

Still, Washington's front office will probably feel encouraged he decided to show up because it seemingly points to his desire to stay with the Commanders when all is said and done.