The Washington Commanders have cleared wide receiver Terry McLaurin to return to practice after removing him from the physically unable to perform list. The team announced the move on Saturday, but it has nothing to do with his stalled contract talks.
Terry McLaurin returns to field but contract standoff still looms
McLaurin has been dealing with an ankle injury that dates back to late last season. When he reported to training camp on July 27, after a brief four-day holdout, he was placed on the PUP list. That absence cost him $200,000 in fines before he ultimately reported, ending the possibility of further financial penalties.
Although activated, McLaurin will likely start out working with trainers before rejoining full team drills.
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The contract roadblock
Negotiations between McLaurin and Washington have been stuck for months. He has one year left on the three-year, $68 million deal he signed in 2022, but he wants a raise in line with the league’s top wideouts.
Reports say he is eyeing a contract similar to DK Metcalf’s recent four-year pact with Pittsburgh that averages $33 million annually and includes $60 million guaranteed. Washington has not come close to that number. League insiders believe the Commanders might stretch to $28 million per season, but the gap remains wide.
The situation escalated when McLaurin requested a trade on July 31. Team officials insist they are not considering moving him.
Proven production, growing frustration
McLaurin is coming off another strong season, finishing second in the league with 13 touchdown catches, including 10 in the red zone. He has topped 1,000 yards in five straight seasons, though he has never broken the 1,200-yard mark.
Despite his performance, he has made it clear that he feels underappreciated. In an interview before camp, McLaurin said he would not take the field until there was “progression” in contract talks.
Last month, he voiced his frustration:
“I want to continue my career here. I’ve built my life here. But I want to be valued and appreciated, and that hasn’t happened the way I hoped.”
What comes next for Washington?
For now, McLaurin is back in uniform, but the standoff is unresolved. Unless Washington closes the gap in negotiations, the focus will remain less on his ankle and more on whether the Commanders are willing to pay him what he believes he’s worth.
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