The Washington Commanders signed Terry McLaurin to a three-year extension, as per Adam Schefter, ending the NFL's most soap operatic storyline of the offseason.
His new deal is worth $96 million for the next three years — $32 million annually — making him one of the top-five highest-paid WRs in football, tied with Eagles star AJ Brown. Turning 30 in September, he's the oldest member of that group.
McLaurin has been one of the most productive WRs in the league over the last four seasons, making him well worth the money, age notwithstanding.
The former OSU Buckeye had at least 1,000 yards in each of the last four campaigns and is coming off a season in which he caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and 13 TDs. McLaurin was also a vital part of the offensive success of 2024's Offensive Rookie of the Year, QB Jayden Daniels.
The Commanders made moves recently to free up some capital by trading away leading rusher RB Brian Robinson Jr, which played a role in the deal with McLaurin.
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Terry McLaurin Fantasy Football Fallout
Drafts have already begun in fantasy football, and fantasy owners were hesitant to pull the trigger on McLaurin due to the holdout. But those who were able to snag him in, say, round six are feeling pretty darn good about life.
Those who passed on McLaurin, however, ae kicking themselves in the butt. If sophomore Daniels plays anywhere near the same level as freshman Daniels, another 1,000-yard season for Scary Terry could be a thing. After all, he's a bona fide WR1 in offensive coordinator Kliff Kingsbury's high-tempo RPO-heavy offense.
Is it possible for his TD numbers to increase? Sure, but is it likely? Not if newcomer Deebo Samuel — who currently sits second on Washington's WR depth chart — has anything to say about it.
Commanders WR Depth Chart
- WR1: Terry McLaurin
- WR2: Deebo Samuel
- WR3: Noah Brown
- WR4: Luke McCaffrey
- WR5: K.J. Osborn
- WR6: Michael Gallup
While Samuel will be taking some volume away from McLaurin in the passing game, McLaurin — who's a nightmare to cover one-on-one — should see less double coverage
McLaurin is still a rock-solid WR2 in all fantasy formats, and a fringe WR1/2 in full PPR leagues. His current ADP has him at 44 according to FantasyPros, and WR18, just ahead of Marvin Harrison Jr., DJ Moore, and DK Metcalf.
I am confident that McLaurin will end up being a top 12-15 WR in fantasy by season’s end, so don’t hesitate to draft him in your upcoming fantasy football leagues, as he could help bring you a trophy
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