NFL Insiders Reportedly Don't Expect Terry McLaurin to Get Desired Commanders Contract

If Terry McLaurin is going to take a hardline stance on getting exactly what he wants from a new contract, it may not come from the Washington Commanders.

Per The Athletic's Dianna Russini, the feeling among people within the NFL is that McLaurin is unlikely to get the number he is believed to be seeking on an extension.

Russini noted the belief is a deal in the range of $27-28 million per season would be good for both parties.

Even before McLaurin formally requested a trade from the Commanders due to a stalemate in contract talks, there was a belief that he was seeking a deal worth at least $33 million per season.

That figure represents the same amount DK Metcalf got on his new contract from the Pittsburgh Steelers. It would also make McLaurin the fourth-highest-paid receiver in the NFL, behind Ja'Marr Chase ($40.3 million), Justin Jefferson ($35 million) and CeeDee Lamb ($34 million).

An extension that pays McLaurin between $27-28 million would put him in the range of DJ Moore ($27.5 million) and Jaylen Waddle ($28.3 million).

There's no indication the Commanders are actively shopping McLaurin in a trade. He was activated off the physically unable to perform list by the club on Saturday while dealing with an ankle injury.

The Commanders will return to practice on Wednesday after Monday's preseason game against the Cincinnati Bengals. It's unclear if McLaurin will be on the field with his teammates as he continues to wait for a new contract.

McLaurin has recorded more than 1,000 receiving yards in each of the last five seasons. He set a career-high with 13 touchdowns in 2024 to help the Commanders win 12 games and advance to the NFC Championship Game.

Washington has one more preseason game on Aug. 23 against the Baltimore Ravens. It will kickoff the regular season on Sept. 7 against the New York Giants at Northwest Stadium.