The Washington Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin from the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, marking a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury. This announcement came on Saturday, as confirmed by the team. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this activation is unrelated to ongoing contract negotiations.
McLaurin is now eligible to practice with the team. Typically, players activated from the PUP list begin their training working with trainers on a separate field before joining the rest of the squad. The 27-year-old was placed on the PUP list after dealing with an ankle issue that affected him towards the end of the previous season, coinciding with his return to camp following a four-day holdout that resulted in a fine of $200,000. By reporting to camp, he avoided further fines.
While McLaurin remains eager to contribute on the field, he faces financial implications should he miss games. Each game missed would result in a loss of $861,111, including during the bye week. The Commanders have been engaged in negotiations with McLaurin regarding a contract extension, but sources indicate that the two sides have struggled to find common ground.
Contract Negotiations and Future Outlook
McLaurin has one year left on a three-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2022. He has expressed a desire for a deal similar to that received by DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers, which averages $33 million per year with $60 million guaranteed. Reports suggest that Washington has not approached that figure in their offers, with some insiders believing the Commanders could potentially reach $28 million per year.
On July 31, McLaurin requested a trade, but team sources have stated that there are no intentions to trade him. Despite this, he has been present at team facilities, though he has primarily interacted with fans after practices instead of participating directly. He was seen watching from the sidelines during an intrasquad scrimmage on August 12, alongside other injured players.
McLaurin’s Performance and Aspirations
Coming off his second Pro Bowl appearance, McLaurin had a standout season in 2024, finishing second in the NFL with a career-high of 13 touchdown receptions and ten red zone scoring catches. He has exceeded 1,000 receiving yards for five consecutive seasons but has yet to surpass 1,200 yards.
In a recent interview, McLaurin expressed his frustration with the lack of progress in contract discussions. “I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. So this has been somewhere I’ve always wanted to be,” he stated. His desire to feel valued and appreciated remains a central theme in his negotiations with the Commanders.
As McLaurin transitions back into practice, his performance on the field will be closely watched, both by fans and by the Commanders’ management as they navigate the complexities of contract discussions.
