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As the contract situation between the Washington Commanders and Terry McLaurin continues, the latest reporting provides insight into where things stand at the current moment. While McLaurin and the Commanders' front office will continue to talk about the current dispute, it does seem that there are going to be a lot of eyes on the team to get a deal done ahead of the start of the regular season.
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN spoke on “NFL Live” and was asked about everything dealing with McLaurin, with him expressing that “there's still a pretty sizable gap” on each side's point of view about the market at the position. As there was a trade request, there are teams interested, as Fowler says, though Washington “remains optimistic” that a deal will get done before the start of the season.
“From what I'm hearing, there's still a pretty sizable gap in how they see the wide receiver market,” Fowler said on the talks between the Commanders and McLaurin. “Washington is down here, Terry McLaurin is pretty high up here, I'm told the players dug in, remains frustrated, not a lot of traction on a trade right now, even though I do know there are some teams that are interested, or have at least called.”
“Right now I'm told Washington does remains optimistic in this, despite some of the smoke around all the issues and him still out of practice, they feel like when push comes to shove, closer to week one, they can reach some sort of compromise,” Fowler continued.
Terry McLaurin activated off PUP is a small step, but there’s a lot of work to be done on potential new deal.
Commanders are optimistic something can be done in the coming weeks. A trade doesn’t feel likely, though there’s interest. (From yesterday with @LauraRutledge) pic.twitter.com/AxO9RzCduq
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) August 16, 2025
More on the contract situation with Commanders' Terry McLaurin
As rumors around the Commanders and McLaurin will continue to swirl around the team, there's no doubt about how integral a piece the star wide receiver is, especially coming off the success last season. McLaurin recorded 1,096 yards, his fifth straight 1,000-yard season, to go along with 82 catches and 13 touchdowns, a career-high.
With the chemistry building with young and talented quarterback Jayden Daniels, it would be wise for Washington to try and keep the offense intact after making the conference championship last season.
Fowler would also say that McLaurin is steadfast on receiving a contract and doesn't see a path where he plays out this year without one or is on a franchise tag next season.
“It's probably not going to be a situation where he plays up the year in his contract and plays the franchise tag next year, like he needs some sort of contract,” Fowler said. “They're hoping they can find a sweet spot here. But they're sort of waiting each other out. Meanwhile, this could get ugly.”
The Commanders open Week 1 on Sunday, Sept. 7, against the New York Giants.
