Terry McLaurin's Potential Commanders Contract Tabbed At $28M AAV by NFL Insider

Washington Commanders star receiver Terry McLaurin's contract dispute remains ongoing, and some around the NFL are speculating about how the team values him.

Per ESPN's John Keim, a league source "said he could see the Commanders eventually agreeing to pay $28 million per year" in a new deal for McLaurin, who is entering the final year of his current contract and has made it clear that he wants to be paid what he feels he deserves.

Keim questioned whether a $28 million average annual value would be enough for McLaurin, pointing out that the fellow wideout DK Metcalf's extension with the Pittsburgh Steelers "has served as a guide" in his contract demands for Washington. Metcalf received a five-year, $150 million extension that includes $60 million guaranteed. Keim noted that it's "uncertain" whether McLaurin is seeking the same guarantees or a similar average value to Metcalf's $33 million per year.

Amid the impasse, McLaurin has been a "hold in" at training camp, as he's attended sessions without participating in practice. He also requested a trade from the Commanders on July 31.

While the 29-year-old is coming off a strong season with 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns, Keim noted that league sources said that Washington "doesn't want to pay McLaurin for past performance." The franchise instead "is trying to pay him based on how it thinks he'll produce at ages 31, 32 and 33."

That approach is unlikely to satisfy the two-time Pro Bowler, as he is the top target for Commanders second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels and is seeking No. 1 receiver money. McLaurin could be sidelined for a while if he refuses to budge from his contract demands, leaving Washington with a major dilemma as the 2025 season draws nearer.