Commanders relieved to have 'rare competitor' McLaurin back at practice
Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn is excited that wide receiver Terry McLaurin is back on the practice field after not participating in on-field work since spring workouts.
"I love coaching him," Quinn said, according to ESPN's John Keim. "He is a rare competitor."
McLaurin ended his hold-in on Monday, agreeing to a three-year extension worth up to $96 million that includes a $30-million signing bonus with $45 million guaranteed. The deal is structured so Washington can save money against the cap if it chooses to release or trade McLaurin after the 2026 season, according to Spotrac.
The Ohio State product had only one year left on his contract. McLaurin vocally expressed his frustrations with the negotiating process in mid-July, and ultimately requested a trade a couple weeks later.
However, McLaurin said he met with general manager Adam Peters multiple times since reporting to camp, helping lead to the agreement.
"We had a lot of cool conversations," general manager Adam Peters said of the negotiating process with the veteran wideout. "You get optimistic, pessimistic, all those different things throughout the process. But what we never lost was our love and respect and really admiration for Terry and what he does for us on and off the field."
The 30-year-old has led Washington in receiving yards in every season since he was drafted in the third round of the 2019 draft. Last year was arguably his best year in the league, posting 82 catches for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns.
Washington will kick off its season on Sept. 7 versus the New York Giants.