Yahoo Sports Terry McLaurin on contract standoff with Commanders: 'I’ve been pretty frustrated, I’m not gonna lie'

[Chris Cwik]

Terry McLaurin is seeking a new deal with the Commanders. (Photo by Michael Owens/Getty Images)
Michael Owens via Getty Images

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin took his game to another level last season. Finally paired with an elite passer, McLaurin exploded for 1,096 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns.

Getting paid for that performance, however, hasn't worked out thus far. McLaurin, who is entering the final year of his contract, said he's "frustrated" at the lack of progress on a long-term extension with the team.

His full comments read:

"I've been pretty frustrated, I'm not going to lie. Everything that has transpired up until this point has been disappointing and frustrating. I want to continue my career here. I've created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. This has been somewhere I've always wanted to be."

McLaurin, 29, sat out during minicamp to send a message to the team. Despite the lack of movement on a new contract, McLaurin insisted he does not want to be traded, saying, "I want to be here. I want to make that abundantly clear.”

McLaurin has been one of the better receivers in the league since the Commanders selected him in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. He exceeded all expectations immediately, gaining 919 yards and scoring seven touchdowns as a rookie.

From there, McLaurin overcame both franchise disarray and poor quarterback play to remain one of the most consistent receivers in the NFL. From 2020 to 2023, he averaged 1,091 yards and five touchdowns per season.

Things changed last season. With Jayden Daniels under center, McLaurin put up his usual yardage, but became an even bigger weapon in the red zone, going for 13 touchdowns. That performance earned McLaurin his second Pro Bowl appearance. He was also named to the second-team All-Pro team. It marked the first time in his career that McLaurin was named to the All-Pro team.

With Daniels, the Commanders will enter the season with Super Bowl aspirations in 2025. The team worked to give Daniels more weapons, bringing in Deebo Samuel in the offseason. Despite his addition and the presence of second-year wideout Luke McCaffrey, McLaurin is once again expected to be the top target in the offense ... assuming he can reach a new deal with the Commanders.

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