Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin unexpectedly reported to training camp on Sunday, after losing out on more than $800,000 from holding out for a new contract this offseason.
McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, is set to earn $19.65 million in total cash in the final season of a three-year, $68 million contract. However, he’s collected fines totaling $200,000 for missing the start of training camp, $105,000 for missing minicap, and forfeited a $500,000 workout bonus.
On Sunday, McLaurin spoke to reporters and signed autographs for fans. “It’s tough, but it’s a business,” he said. “Right now, I’m just trying to take things day by day.” McLaurin isn’t practicing yet and was placed on Washington’s physically unable to perform list with an ankle injury.
McLaurin’s 13 receiving touchdowns were second in the NFL last season. He had 1,096 receiving yards, which ranked 15th. His $19.65 million salary ranks 15th among receivers, after Bengals wideout Ja’Marr Chase reset the market in March with a four-year, $161 million extension that carries a new money average annual value of $40.25 million.
State of the League
McLaurin’s contract dispute is one of the NFL’s highest-profile at the moment, after the Bengals signed rookie defensive end Shemar Stewart to his four-year, $18.97 million contract on Friday. Stewart, the No. 17 pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, was the last rookie to sign their deal, with language over guarantees complicating talks. However, veteran Cincinnati edge rusher Trey Hendrickson is still holding out.
Cowboys edge rusher Micah Parsons has been a full participant in training camp, despite his desire to receive a raise. Parsons is entering his fifth season, set to earn $24 million in the final year of his rookie contract, and is a likely candidate to surpass Steelers edge rusher T.J. Watt as the highest-paid non-quarterback in the NFL.
