Commander Country

Terry McLaurin’s Commanders contract revealed with must-know details

Here’s the full breakdown of how the Washington Commanders structured the deal for Terry McLaurin.
Darius Hayes|
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) takes the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images
Nov 26, 2020; Arlington, Texas, USA; Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) takes the field before the game between the Dallas Cowboys and the Washington Football Team at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-Imagn Images | Jerome Miron-Imagn Images

In this story:

Washington Commanders

The Washington Commanders officially locked in wide receiver Terry McLaurin with a massive three-year extension, and now we know exactly how much he’s getting.

Fans knew it was a big deal, but now we’ve got the full breakdown of the numbers of this new extension for the Commanders star receiver.

The full details of McLaurin's deal have now been released, and Washington may have gotten a better deal.

Breaking Down the Numbers

Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17)
Nov 19, 2023; Landover, Maryland, USA; Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs onto the field prior to the game against the New York Giants at FedExField. Mandatory Credit: Geoff Burke-Imagn Images | Geoff Burke-Imagn Images

At first, reports had McLaurin’s extension valued at $96 million with an average annual value (AAV) of $32 million. But once the details came out, the real base value is closer to $87 million, giving the deal an AAV of $29 million per year, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.

McLaurin also secured just over $44 million guaranteed at signing, which includes a $30 million signing bonus. That figure can reach $50 million by April 2027, though there’s no guaranteed money beyond that point. The deal is also loaded with incentives, meaning McLaurin has a chance to cash in even more if he continues producing at the level fans are used to seeing. Below are the incentives included in every year of the deal, per Albert Breer of Sports Illustrated:

  • 83 catches ($300,000); 83 catches and playoffs ($600,00)
  • 1,097 yards ($300,000); 1,097 yards and playoffs ($600,000)
  • 10 TD receptions ($300,000); 10 TD receptions and playoffs ($600,000)
  • First- or second-team All-Pro ($500,000)

What This Means for the Commanders and McLaurin

For Washington, this move was a no-brainer. McLaurin has been their WR1 since day one, and locking him up shows the new ownership group is serious about building a winning roster. With quarterback Jayden Daniels entering his second year, having a reliable star receiver in place makes his development a lot smoother. It also eliminates the risk of future contract distractions — McLaurin is here to stay.

For McLaurin, the deal is everything he’s earned and more. He’s been one of the league’s most consistent receivers despite playing with multiple quarterbacks. Now, not only does he have financial security, but he’s finally being paid like the top receiver he’s proven to be. The incentives give him even more motivation to keep producing at an elite level.

And for Commanders fans? It’s simple: the face of the offense isn’t going anywhere. With McLaurin locked in and Daniels growing into his role, there’s a lot to be excited about moving forward.

READ MORE: Why Commanders starting offensive lineman didn't make 53-man roster

Follow Darius Hayes on Twitter.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2025 season.

More Washington Commanders News

• Commanders 53-man roster offers some surprises

• Deebo Samuel’s reaction to Terry McLaurin’s new deal is what Commanders fans love to see

• Former Commanders RB could win your fantasy league

• Commanders tried to sign former Cowboys star but bizarre reason stopped it

Published
Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

Home/News