Garrett Wilson’s New Deal May Accelerate Terry McLaurin’s Payday

As contract negotiations continue between wide receiver Terry McLaurin and the Washington Commanders, the veteran playmaker could soon become one of the NFL’s highest-paid at his position, thanks to Garrett Wilson’s recent deal.

The New York Jets inked Wilson to a four-year, $130 million extension today, setting a new precedent with an average annual value (AAV) of $32.5 million. That deal joins a growing list of blockbuster contracts, including Justin Jefferson’s $35 million AAV and A.J. Brown’s $32 million AAV.

McLaurin, currently entering the final year of a three-year, $69.6 million deal ($23.2 million AAV), is reportedly seeking an extension that eclipses the $30 million mark annually, according to recent reports. He doesn’t want to reset the market, but he wants to be paid like a top receiver — and rightfully so.

Also read: Former NFL Agent Predicts Terry McLaurin’s Demands for Commanders

Despite being five years older than Wilson, the 29-year-old has maintained elite production throughout his career, including five straight 1,000-yard seasons. In 2024, he recorded 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, earning second-team All-Pro honors while building chemistry with rising quarterback Jayden Daniels.

Spotrac predicts that McLaurin will ultimately land in the neighborhood of $31 million annually. The Commanders, however, don’t feel as though Wilson’s extension changes anything, according to NFL Insider Jonathan Jones.

McLaurin’s salary currently ranks 16th in the NFL, and the price is increasing every day. The two-time Pro Bowler has played in every game over the last four seasons, proving to be durable and consistent for Washington. Despite the contract dispute, head coach Dan Quinn is making sure the relationship doesn’t sour.

“Dan Quinn has stayed in constant contact with Terry McLaurin throughout this offseason,” James Palmer said via Bleacher Report. “It hasn’t been contentious in that sense to where he’s separate from the organization. Is there distance, is there frustration here as well? Certainly. Did they make really any headway through the entire month of June? To my understanding, no, they really didn’t.”

McLaurin incurred a fine of $104,768 after opting to skip the Commanders’ mandatory minicamp in June. He led Washington with 117 targets in 2024, and the team doesn’t have an immediate answer at receiver should this dispute drag into the season. The Commanders signed Deebo Samuel this offseason, but he hasn’t recorded a 1,000-yard season since 2021 and can’t be expected to replace McLaurin’s production.

With training camp swiftly approaching, time is running out for Washington and McLaurin to find common ground. The Commanders will need to lock him down sooner rather than later if they want to remain in championship contention.

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