Divisional Round – Washington Commanders at Detroit Lions – Source: Imagn)
Wide receiver Terry McLaurin is currently awaiting a contract extension from the Washington Commanders, but the ongoing delay has sparked rumors about a possible trade before the 2025 season kicks off.
On Saturday, NFL analyst Steve Palazzolo weighed in on McLaurin’s status during the Check the Mic show with co-host Sam Monson. Palazzolo emphasized how critical McLaurin is to Washington’s offense and warned that letting him go would be a serious mistake.
Palazzolo also urged the team to act swiftly and re-sign McLaurin before his value on the open market skyrockets.
“I went with Terry McLaurin, their wide receiver, currently unhappy with the lack of progress towards a new contract,” Palazzolo said. “I think McLaurin is probably the most important.
McLaurin has been QB-proof. That is a huge data point when you’re describing value. McLaurin’s always produced—and he finally has a QB. I would pay him before the number goes through the roof.”
Don’t sleep on Scary Terry 💤 😴
“McLaurin has been QB-proof… I would pay him before the number goes through the roof.”@StevePalazzolo_ and @SamMonson agree — Terry McLaurin is the Commanders’ most essential non-QB 👇 pic.twitter.com/5VPGJrz0cA
— Check the Mic with Steve Palazzolo & Sam Monson (@CTM_Show) July 19, 2025
Terry McLaurin’s Value to the Commanders
McLaurin, selected in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft, signed a three-year, $71 million extension in July 2022. Since entering the league, he has consistently delivered strong performances regardless of who was under center—a rare trait that Palazzolo refers to as “QB-proof.”
In 2024, McLaurin played his first full season with rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The chemistry quickly developed, with McLaurin finishing the year with 1,096 receiving yards and 13 touchdowns, helping Washington advance to the NFC Championship Game, where they fell to the Philadelphia Eagles.
McLaurin Voices Frustration Over Contract Talks
Earlier this week, McLaurin shared his disappointment regarding the stalled contract negotiations.
“I’ve been pretty frustrated, not going to lie,” McLaurin said (via ESPN). “Everything that has transpired has been pretty disappointing. I want to continue my career here, I’ve created a life here, so I want to be here. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing.”
Split Opinions on McLaurin’s Contract Situation
While some analysts believe the Commanders should move quickly to secure McLaurin’s future, others have a different view. Sports radio veteran Chris Russo argued that honoring existing contracts should take precedence over performance-based demands.
“He’s making $25 million a year, and he’s under contract,” Russo said. “When he outplays his contract, should he get more money? He’s got a contract.”
The recent four-year, $161 million extension signed by Ja’Marr Chase in March has significantly reshaped the wide receiver market. With McLaurin turning 30 in September, the Commanders are faced with a delicate balancing act as they weigh his future against salary cap realities and long-term planning.
