McLaurin Returns to Commanders Amid Training Camp Developments
ASHBURN, Va. — The Washington Commanders are adjusting to the dynamics of their training camp as familiar faces have returned to the mix. Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin officially reported to the team’s training camp this past Saturday after missing several spring practices, including the mandatory minicamp.
However, McLaurin was not immediately back on the practice field. Following his medical evaluation on Saturday, he was placed on the physically unable to perform (PUP) list due to an ankle injury, which he has been nursing since the end of the previous season.
Head coach Dan Quinn expressed his relief at being able to meet with McLaurin upon his return. “He was in a very strong head space,” he shared, indicating that McLaurin seemed positive about his situation.
McLaurin’s return comes as he enters a pivotal season in his career—the final year of his current contract. During his time with the Commanders, he has established himself as a key player, amassing 460 catches for 6,379 yards and 38 touchdowns since being drafted in the third round of the 2019 NFL Draft. Last season was particularly remarkable for McLaurin; he scored 13 touchdowns and recorded 1,096 receiving yards on 82 receptions.
While the injury is a setback, McLaurin’s designation on the PUP list offers certain benefits. Unlike players on injured reserve, he can attend team meetings and work on his rehabilitation. The flexibility of the PUP list means that once his ankle improves, he can resume full activities with the team without a mandated timeframe.
Coaches typically adopt a gradual approach when a player comes off the PUP list, focusing first on individual drills before integrating them back into team activities. However, Quinn noted that there is no strict requirement for how quickly a player must return. “You can come off any time,” he explained.
McLaurin, despite being sidelined from on-field practices, took the opportunity to sign autographs for fans, showcasing his connection with the community. He acknowledged the challenges of balancing contract negotiations while focusing on his rehabilitation, saying, “It’s tough. But it’s the business right now, and just trying to take things day by day.”
As McLaurin looks forward to this season, he is due to earn $19.65 million, but he has publicly expressed his frustration over the lack of an extension amid a rapidly changing market for wide receivers. Notable contracts in recent seasons have set high benchmarks, with players like Ja’Marr Chase and Justin Jefferson earning upwards of $35 million annually.
While McLaurin’s accolades are significant, it’s worth noting that his statistics, although impressive, may place him in a different market tier compared to younger receivers like Chase (25) and Jefferson (26). McLaurin will turn 30 in September, which could influence discussions about his next deal. Currently, reasonable comparisons could be drawn to his fellow 2019 draft classmates, such as A.J. Brown and DK Metcalf, both of whom have secured lucrative extensions with their respective teams.
Brown received a three-year extension valued at $32 million per year, while Metcalf was given a similar deal, reflecting the investment teams are willing to make in top-tier receivers. For the Commanders, finding budget space will be important considering their salary cap constraints, particularly with quarterback Jayden Daniels on a cost-effective rookie contract.
Buddy Baker, McLaurin’s agent, was spotted at the Commanders’ facility recently, adding speculation about potential negotiations. However, Coach Quinn chose to focus on the positive aspects of McLaurin’s return rather than the business side of the game. He praised McLaurin as a “serious competitor” and noted the importance of understanding the pressures players face.
“Give people grace,” Quinn advised. “You don’t know what a coach or a player is dealing with. So my No. 1 goal is to keep the main thing, the main thing between players and coaches. It’s tricky and it’s hard.”
In summary, while the road ahead for McLaurin includes rehabilitation and discussions about his future, his presence at training camp has certainly energized both the team and its fan base. Coach Quinn expressed his excitement about having McLaurin back, saying, “I’m really pumped that he’s here, man. He’s such an awesome competitor. It was great to see him.”
