Sad News: Washington Commanders set to cut ties with $68.4 million star over contract dispute

Sad News: Washington Commanders May Cut Ties With $68.4 Million Star Terry McLaurin Over Contract Dispute

The Washington Commanders could be on the verge of making a shocking move involving one of their franchise cornerstones. According to FOX Sports’ Jordan Schultz, star wide receiver Terry McLaurin was not present at the team’s practice facility on Thursday during offseason workouts—a development that has sparked growing speculation about his future in Washington.

While Organized Team Activities (OTAs) haven’t started yet—they’re set to begin on May 28—McLaurin’s absence is drawing attention given the context surrounding his contract situation. The veteran receiver is entering the final year of a three-year, $68.4 million contract extension he signed in 2022. The deal, which averages $22.788 million annually, made McLaurin one of the highest-paid receivers in the league at the time.

So far in 2025, McLaurin has already collected a $2.8 million roster bonus. He’s also slated to earn $15.5 million in base salary, along with $850,000 in per-game roster bonuses and $250,000 in performance-based incentives. However, by skipping offseason workouts, he is at risk of forfeiting a $500,000 workout bonus—another indication that there may be a standoff brewing between the player and the front office.

Despite the contract tension, McLaurin has continued to produce at a high level. In the 2024 season, he notched his fifth consecutive 1,000-yard campaign, finishing with 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. Over the course of his six-year NFL career, he has accumulated over 6,300 receiving yards, cementing his status as one of the league’s most consistent wideouts.

The Commanders’ apparent unwillingness to negotiate a new deal or restructure the final year of McLaurin’s contract has reportedly caused frustration in the receiver’s camp. With new ownership and a fresh coaching staff in place, it’s unclear how committed the organization is to keeping McLaurin long-term.

While no formal trade request or release announcement has been made, league insiders believe the two sides may be heading toward an inevitable split if no resolution is reached soon. McLaurin’s value on the open market would be high, as several receiver-needy teams would likely be eager to land a proven playmaker entering his prime.

For now, the focus remains on whether McLaurin will report for OTAs later this month. His decision could serve as a litmus test for how serious the rift with the team has become. If tensions escalate further, Washington might be forced to make the difficult choice of moving on from their $68.4 million star—sending shockwaves throughout the NFL and altering the direction of their franchise in the process.