Terry McLaurin Receives Generous Endorsement from Hall of Famer Amidst Stalled Contract Negotiations with Commanders

Lions legend Calvin Johnson urged Commanders part owner Magic Johnson to pay Terry McLaurin quickly.

Terry McLaurin Receives Generous Endorsement from Hall of Famer Amidst Stalled Contract Negotiations with Commanders

Terry McLaurin (Image via IMAGO)

Calvin Johnson has Terry McLaurin’s back. The legendary Detroit Lions wide receiver advised the owner of the Washington Commanders, Magic Johnson, to stop wasting time and give McLaurin a new contract.

Despite starting the negotiation process early in the offseason, McLaurin and the Commanders don’t seem close to finalizing an extension anytime soon. As a result, the 29-year-old missed all the OTAs and the early days of the minicamp.

Calvin Johnson appeared on the latest episode of Up & Adams show and gave his thoughts on the Commanders delaying McLaurin’s extension.

I love Terry, scary Terry… I am assuming it’s got something to do with the pay. So, pay the man because the man has been nothing but consistent. I don’t know Terry very well, but from afar, man, the guy has been nothing but consistent for [the Commanders] organization. He has been a staple there—for Washington his whole career, and he plays well; he steps up in big games… Come on, Magic [Johnson], pay the man.

Calvin Johnson told host Kay Adams

Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels reportedly wants the brass to sign McLaurin quickly as well.

Adam Schefter reveals encouraging news on Terry McLaurin’s contract negotiation with the Commanders

The Commanders traded for Deebo Samuel earlier in the year to add competition in the wide receiver room. However, anyone can tell that Samuel is not a replacement for McLaurin if they survey the former 49er’s tape from the last few years. Samuel transitioned into a more versatile role—a utility man, rather than playing as a true wide receiver.

Terry McLaurin Receives Generous Endorsement from Hall of Famer Amidst Stalled Contract Negotiations with Commanders
Terry McLaurin (Image via IMAGO)

McLaurin, meanwhile, is a true route runner. He falls into the same category of receivers as Mike Evans, who consistently records 1000 yards regardless of the circumstances and the quarterback.

So, tying McLaurin to a long-term contract should be a no-brainer for Dan Quinn’s team. ESPN’s Adam Schefter provided positive news for the Commanders fans.

Schefter broke his Pat McAfee Show hiatus to reveal that McLaurin is unhappy with the Commanders dragging the negotiations on for far too long. However, he also believes they will eventually agree on a new contract soon.

[McLaurin is] scheduled to make about $19 million this year. He’s headed into the last year of his contract [and] wants a new deal, certainly deserving of a new deal, and I believe that the two sides will find a way to figure it out at some point in time. [However,] they’re just not there right now, and it’s easy to rattle the sabers and no-show on June 12.

Adam Schefter said

According to reports, McLaurin may have to pay over $100,000 in fines due to missing the OTAs and now minicamp. On the bright side, the brass can easily waive them as a goodwill gesture toward their best receiver.

Yet, a new contract sounds even better for the former third-rounder. He nearly became an unrestricted free agent in 2023 before the Commanders signed him to a three-year, $68,364,000 contract extension, including a $28,000,000 signing bonus, $53,154,000 guaranteed, and an average annual salary of $22,788,000 according to Spotrac.

McLaurin has played 97 games in six seasons, receiving 460 catches for 6379 yards and 36 touchdowns. In 2024, he caught 82 passes for 1096 yards (13.1 YAC) and 13 touchdowns.

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