Terry McLaurin reveals plans for after Commanders extension presser

The Washington Commanders‘ fan base breathed a collective sigh of relief after it was reported Terry McLaurin agreed to a three-year extension with the team. The contract, worth $71 million and includes a $28 million signing bonus, keeps the ascending receiver in the nation’s capital through the 2025 season.

The agreement ended a lengthy holdout from McLaurin, who skipped (voluntary) organized team activities and mandatory minicamp while he and his agency, Exclusive Sports Group, negotiated terms of the deal with the front office.

While a receiver of McLaurin’s caliber doesn’t really need to be an active participant at spring practices, his situation is a bit different. Unlike most extension-eligible WRs — Deebo Samuel being a prime example — McLaurin has to learn to play with a new quarterback after Washington acquired Carson Wentz this offseason.

Between OTAs and minicamp, McLaurin missed multiple weeks worth of catching passes and working out the kinks with Wentz.

So, what’s McLaurin’s first order of business after Wednesday’s contract presser? Catch a flight to California to practice with Wentz and other teammates.

Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin will fly to California to practice with Carson Wentz and other teammates.

Why celebrate signing a $71 million contract when you can fly out to California and make up for lost practice time with your new QB? Of course, most players wouldn’t think like that, but McLaurin “has that dog in him,” or so the saying goes.

McLaurin’s plans are just a confirmation of everything he’s said since signing the contract. The former third-round pick isn’t going to rest on his laurels just because he received a massive pay day. He’s going to keep working to be the best version of himself. How else do you think he’s become one of the NFL’s best wideouts in contested catch situations after that was declared his biggest weakness at Ohio State? It certainly wasn’t by accident.

As one of the team captains and a regular at OTAs and minicamp throughout his career, McLaurin isn’t accustomed to missing practices.

"“It was weird. I don’t miss practice. I know how important those reps are,” McLaurin said of missing the offseason program. “That was really hard for me. But you understand the business and what has to happen.”"

A big reason McLaurin’s excited to get back on the field Continue to build his relationship with Wentz, whom McLaurin says he’s “connected with on a very personal level” and checked on him regularly during his contract holdout.

As for Wentz, well, his excitement goes without saying.

This is music to our hears. It shouldn’t be expected that McLaurin and Wentz have elite chemistry right out of the gates, but these practice sessions (during summer break) and the fact they’ve already connected on a personal level suggests they should look pretty electric once training camp gets underway on July 27.