NFL Insider Predicts Terry McLaurin Won't Get DK Metcalf-Type Contract from Commanders

As the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin continue to haggle over the star wide receiver's value in contract talks, his eventual extension could come in lower than what he is believed to be seeking.

On the Scoop City podcast, The Athletic's Dianna Russini predicted the two sides will eventually get a deal done with an average annual salary just under $30 million.

ESPN's Adam Schefter previously said that McLaurin wanted "considerably more than" the $33 million per season that DK Metcalf got in his contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers.

Despite McLaurin requesting a trade due to unhappiness about the state of contract talks with the Commanders, Russini and Nicki Jhabvala reported on July 31 the team has no intention of dealing the star wide receiver.

An extension worth more than $33 million per season would make McLaurin the third-highest paid receiver in the NFL, behind Ja'Marr Chase ($40.3 million) and Justin Jefferson ($35 million).

McLaurin's resume warrants him being among the highest-paid players at the position. He ranks ninth in the NFL in receiving yards since 2019, despite the Commanders having gone through 11 different starting quarterbacks prior to Jayden McDaniels' arrival.

However, since McLaurin was an older prospect when he was drafted six years ago, he is going to turn 30 on Sept. 15. Metcalf, by comparison, won't turn 28 until Dec. 14.

Of the 13 receivers making at least $25 million per season, Tyreek Hill was the only one older than 27 at the time the deal was signed.

The Commanders are in a difficult spot because of how important McLaurin is to their offense, but there is also the risk of his decline phase coming sooner than expected.

This is a risk the Commanders could afford to take because Daniels still has at least three years remaining on his rookie contract. He can't be extended until after the 2026 season, so that gives them flexibility with the cap before having to worry about handing out a massive long-term contract for their quarterback.

McLaurin led Washington with 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2024. The two-time Pro Bowler has hit the 1,000-yard mark in each of the past five seasons.