Why Commanders Must Be Very Careful With Terry McLaurin Extension
Why Commanders Must Be Very Careful With Terry McLaurin Extension originally appeared on Athlon Sports.
It's a mistake made by many teams around the league.
Organizations become so loyal to particular players that they look to give them large contract extensions even when they are past their prime or otherwise slightly unworthy.
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Sometimes, teams extend a player to a long-term deal only to watch their production fall off a cliff after a few years.
That's a lesson the Washington Commanders know they must be careful with regarding Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The Ohio State product is entering the final year of his contract with Washington, and is coming off his best season. He recorded a career-high 13 touchdowns with rookie phenom Jayden Daniels throwing him the football.
McLaurin is going to be 30 years old by the time the 2025 season begins, though. While he hasn't shown any signs of slowing down just yet, a decline can happen to any aging player.
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If Washington is going to give their top receiver a long-term extension, they want to make sure they have enough protection on their own end where they won't be hurt by the cap if McLaurin's production dips.
It is about a contract with escapability.
Add it all up?
And it's a good enough reason for the receiver to be frustrated with how contract talks have gone.
Washington could be in deep trouble if they extend McLaurin and his Pro Bowl production isn't matched as he gets older. Giving him an extension in the $30 million APY range without the Commanders providing themselves an Eventual out may do more harm than good for the team in the long term.
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That doesn't mean McLaurin isn't worthy of an extension; he absolutely is.
It just means Washington needs to be extra careful how they spend their money now and over the next few years. … with a compromise here being the eventual best answer.
Related: Commanders Fans Laugh at Giants OTAs Fight in Bizarre Take
Related: Commanders' Veteran Entering 'Make-Or-Break' Season
This story was originally reported by Athlon Sports on Jun 7, 2025, where it first appeared.
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