Terry McLaurin Absence Sparks Contract Speculation

WASHINGTON, D.C. — Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin did not attend the team’s voluntary offseason workouts on Wednesday, May 21, 2025, according to a report by Jordan Schultz of Fox Sports. McLaurin had previously participated fully in the program, raising questions about whether his absence is linked to ongoing contract negotiations.

The start of Phase 3 of the offseason program next week will provide greater clarity on McLaurin’s situation. General Manager Adam Peters mentioned at the NFL owners meeting in March that preliminary discussions had begun between McLaurin’s representatives and the team. However, the current status of those talks remains unclear.

McLaurin is entering the final year of a contract that guarantees him a base salary of $15.5 million, with an annual average of $23.2 million, which ranks him 16th among wide receivers. His performance has warranted a reevaluation of his worth after a standout 2024 season, where he caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and scored 13 touchdowns while leading the team to a 12-5 record.

In 2022, McLaurin also missed offseason workouts before eventually signing a three-year, $69.6 million extension in July. Given the timing and context of his absence, it may signal that he’s seeking a more favorable contract.

As the Commanders prepare to build on their success from last season, the urgency to secure McLaurin long-term increases, particularly given his integral role in the team’s resurgence. The forthcoming weeks will be critical in determining whether the franchise can finalize a new deal that reflects McLaurin’s value.