As the Washington Commanders prepare for one of their most promising NFL seasons in years, all eyes should be on the field. Instead, attention has shifted to what’s happening off it—specifically, the absence of star wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
The 29-year-old team captain has officially started a contract holdout, bringing tension to what should have been a positive start to training camp.
McLaurin Misses Camp, Frustrated Over Contract Talks
McLaurin, who has been one of the most consistent and beloved players for the Commanders since he was drafted in 2019, didn’t report to training camp on July 22, the scheduled reporting date for veterans.
On Wednesday morning, while his teammates took to the field, McLaurin remained absent—making it clear he’s unhappy with how negotiations are progressing.
“I’ve been pretty frustrated,” McLaurin admitted. “Everything that’s happened so far has been disappointing.”
A Key Piece Missing from the Roster
McLaurin is entering the final year of his three-year, $68.3 million contract signed in 2022. While that deal once made him one of the top-paid receivers, the market has changed quickly. Today, his average annual salary ranks 17th among NFL wide receivers.
Top players like Ja’Marr Chase now earn over $40 million per year, and even players with less impact than McLaurin are earning between $27–28 million annually.
Despite understanding he may not reach Chase-level numbers, McLaurin feels he deserves to be paid fairly. Especially when you consider that he’s had five straight 1,000-yard seasons, was named a second-team All-Pro in 2024, and helped lead the Commanders to the NFC Championship Game.
Commanders Leaders Remain Hopeful
General manager Adam Peters and head coach Dan Quinn have tried to maintain a calm and respectful tone. Peters said he values McLaurin both as a player and person and that the team is working hard to close the gap in negotiations.
“We’re doing everything we can to get a deal done,” Peters said. “It’s never linear, but our goal is to keep him here.”
Quinn, too, avoided talking too much about McLaurin’s absence. “We’re planning for everyone to be here,” he said, staying optimistic.
Every Missed Day Comes at a Cost
Each day that McLaurin skips training camp will cost him $50,000, as per the NFL’s collective bargaining agreement. He is due to make $15 million this season with a $25 million cap hit.
While the financial loss is big, the real concern for Washington is what his absence means for the team. McLaurin is not just a skilled receiver—he’s a leader in the locker room, a fan favorite, and someone younger players look up to.
His bond with new quarterback and 2024 Offensive Rookie of the Year Daniels has also been one of the team’s most exciting developments.
McLaurin Wants to Stay—But Wants to Be Valued
In his recent chat with reporters, McLaurin made it clear that he wants to spend his entire career with the Commanders. But he also stressed the importance of being respected and appreciated by the team.
“This has always been where I wanted to be,” he said. “But the way things have gone has been disappointing. I want to feel valued. Unfortunately, that hasn’t happened yet.”
Terry McLaurin’s holdout has arrived at a time when hope is high in Washington. With a new quarterback, a strong roster, and a promising coaching team, the Commanders were looking forward to a drama-free camp. But the absence of their star wideout has brought uncertainty.
Both sides still have time to work things out, and with mutual respect and continued discussions, a long-term deal could be reached. For now, fans and teammates are left hoping that the heart of the Commanders will return to the field soon.
