Commanders Not Signing Terry McLaurin Is One the “Stupidest” Things Marcus Spears Has Seen This Offseason

Terry McLaurin's holdout from practice is nearing a month because he wants the Commanders to pay him $30 million/year.

Commanders Not Signing Terry McLaurin Is One the “Stupidest” Things Marcus Spears Has Seen This Offseason

Marcus Spears and Terry McLaurin (Image via IMAGO/X)

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Marcus Spears finds it baffling that Terry McLaurin is still waiting for a new contract from the Washington Commanders. McLaurin’s holdout remains a big negative in an otherwise spotless training camp.

McLaurin is seeking a new deal because his three-year, $71 million contract is set to expire soon. AJ Brown, Amon-Ra St. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb’s big-money extensions played a key part in his decision.

McLaurin wants somewhere in the $30 million per year region, but the Commanders aren’t ready to entertain his wishes. Former NFL defensive end Marcus Spears called out the Commanders’ front office for making McLaurin wait for an extension.

[Terry’s contract situation is] one of the stupidest things that I’ve seen this offseason. It just seems like it makes all the sense in the world. Jayden Daniels is still on a rookie contract. You let some big-time contracts go that you had with some D-linemen, including Jonathan Allen. This team showed you what they potentially could be last year. And this is the window.

Marcus Spears said during a recent segment of ESPN’s Get Up

Jayden Daniels is only entering his second year in the NFL and is years away from a new deal. Considering his rookie year was one of the best in the league’s history, Daniels is on course for a hefty payday. So, the present is the best time for the Commanders to extend McLaurin’s stay in the Nation’s capital.

Terry McLaurin is absolutely the most important offensive player on this team outside of Jayden Daniels. And we’re here with a contract dispute three weeks into camp, knowing full well you’re going to need this guy to put yourself potentially back in the situation you were in last year.

Spears said

McLaurin registered 1,096 receiving yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns in 2024. Even though the Commanders signed Deebo Samuel, McLaurin remains their WR1.

Recently, reporters caught McLaurin with general manager Adam Peters at the training ground, creating a buzz on social media.

Age is a big factor in Terry McLaurin’s contract standoff

McLaurin’s consistency in posting 1000 receiving yards in five consecutive seasons makes him a contender for a $30 million AAV deal. However, the organization must consider various other factors before a big extension.

Commanders Not Signing Terry McLaurin Is One the "Stupidest" Things Marcus Spears Has Seen This Offseason
Terry McLaurin (Image via ESPN)

One area that could be the root of the Commanders’ hesitation is McLaurin’s age. He may view himself in the same stratosphere as Lamb, Brown, or DK Metcalf, but he’s at least two years older than his fellow receivers.

ESPN‘s John Keim mentioned McLaurin’s age as the main reason for the stalling.

McLaurin will turn 30 on Sept. 15, which means he’d be 31 when an extension begins. The Commanders rely heavily on analytics, and the numbers aren’t kind to receivers at that age. According to ESPN Research, over the past five seasons, only three receivers 31 years or older have played at least 10 games and averaged 70-plus receiving yards per game; six have averaged 60-plus.

So, the fear of an injury is keeping the Commanders from handing McLaurin a new deal.

Keim further mentioned that the Commanders are using Metcalf’s contract with the Steelers as a blueprint for McLaurin. However, Keim added that McLaurin may have to settle for a $28 million AAV instead of his desired $30 million.

McLaurin has played 97 games for the Commanders since being drafted in the third round. He caught 460 passes for 6379 yards and scored 38 touchdowns.

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