Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin is back where he belongs, smiling on the practice field with his teammates and preparing for another season after ending his contract holdout. Following the announcement of his new extension, McLaurin could not contain his excitement about returning to football and reconnecting with the group of players he now believes has everything needed to contend.
“Man, I was, I was hitting away for a while, you know what I mean?” McLaurin said about his time away during the holdout. “Just rehabbing and doing all the things that I had to do in the building. And so, my first kind of, I was watching the film and watching reps and things like that, but you don’t get a feel for it till you get out here. And that scrimmage that they had, and guys are kind of getting into it, you feel the juices flowing, you’re getting close to the season. I’m like, ‘ooh,’ you feel that energy rise because that’s just who I am. I’m an ultimate competitor.”
McLaurin admitted the emotions hit him hard during warmups, catching passes and joking with teammates. He described that time as his “most at peace,” a reminder of how much he missed the game during the business side of contract negotiations. With the deal now behind him, he can focus on football and on being the type of leader who elevates those around him.
Leadership That Extends Beyond the Field
One of McLaurin’s biggest takeaways from returning to the Commanders’ facility was the support he received from teammates throughout his holdout. He acknowledged how important it was for them to understand his decision was not selfish but about doing what was best for his family. That understanding deepened his connection with the locker room and strengthened his role as a leader.
“Having their support where they knew it wasn’t a selfish thing, that was unbelievable,” McLaurin said. “But to go out there and you see [T ] [Laremy] Tunsil at left tackle, you see a guy like [WR] Deebo [Samuel] who I have the utmost respect for, and he’s just a dog, man. You know what I mean? And I don’t think you could have too many dogs on the team. It’s an infectious personality. It’s a guy you get the ball to and he’s going to do something with it.”
McLaurin also praised the depth and talent of the wide receiver room, singling out players like Jaylin Lane, Luke McCaffrey, and practice squad players Ja’Corey Brooks, Jacoby Jones, and Chris Moore. He emphasized Lane’s versatility as more than just a slot receiver and highlighted his potential to be a physical threat on the outside. As a veteran, McLaurin said he feels responsible for guiding younger players and will continue to be a mentor for them as they adjust to the NFL.
Looking Ahead to a Promising Season
With a new contract signed and a team he believes is stacked with playmakers on both sides of the ball, McLaurin expressed optimism about what the Commanders can achieve this year. He cited the presence of veterans on defense, the additions on offense, and the energy of the locker room as reasons why Washington should be confident.
“You know what I mean? We have everything we need in this locker room to really take a swing at this thing this year,” McLaurin said.
As Week One approaches, McLaurin’s return provides more than just an elite receiver for quarterback Jayden Daniels. It gives Washington a leader whose passion and commitment inspire confidence across the roster. For a team looking to make a statement in the 2025 season, McLaurin’s joyful return may be the spark that pushes them forward.
Terry McLaurin: Commanders Have Everything to Make a Run