Geoff Burke / USA TODAY Sports
Terry McLaurin moved away from the Commanders this offseason while looking for a new contract. Now, Washington has paid to keep it long-term. Less than a month before the start of the 2022 training camp, the team has signed the wide receiver star for a three-year extension worth up to $ 71 million, ESPN reported Tuesday and The Washington Post, securing the former Ohio State featured through the 2025 season.
McLaurin, 26, was left without voluntary training and mandatory mini-camp this spring as he was due to pay just over $ 3 million in the final year of his rookie contract. Now, the former third-round draft pick averages $ 23.7 million a year in his new deal, making him one of the game’s top five highest paid receivers.
The lucrative extension is just the latest in a long line of rich WR deals to materialize this year, with McLaurin following in the footsteps of Davante Adams, Stefon Diggs, Cooper Kupp, Tyreek Hill, AJ Brown, Mike Williams and DJ Moore . all of whom signed large tracts of money this offseason. Assuming it maximizes the incentives in its deal, which includes a $ 28 million signing bonus and is fully guaranteed at more than 75%, McLaurin will only eclipse Williams and Moore in terms of average annual revenue over the life of the extension .
The Buckeyes product has been Washington’s best passing receiver since entering the NFL. After becoming the No. 1 goalie in a rookie season that saw him score seven touchdowns, the highest of his career, McLaurin recorded 75 consecutive catches and 1,000 yards between 2020 and 2021. He believes he will be the main departure of new Commanders quarterback Carson Wentz in 2022.