Ron Rivera’s comments on importance of Terry McLaurin extension are spot on

The Washington Commanders fan base collectively rejoiced when it was reported Terry McLaurin agreed to a three-year extension.

As one of the team’s most beloved players in recent history (maybe since Sean Taylor), letting McLaurin enter 2022 as an impending free agent, where he could sign with any team or possibly receive the dreaded franchise tag, would’ve joined the laundry list of black clouds that have engulfed the organization.

As the Commanders’ most consistent offensive performer over the last three seasons, extending McLaurin through a football lens was a no-brainer. With two consecutive 1,000-yard seasons under his belt, McLaurin’s production will only improve moving forward, as should his standing amongst the game’s best WRs.

While the most important motivator, McLaurin’s potential as a pass-catcher wasn’t the only reason he needed to be extended. Introducing the 26-year-old star at his Wednesday press conference, Ron Rivera noted McLaurin’s pristine off-field reputation had just as much influence in the decision.

This heartfelt clip from Wednesday’s presser is all you need to be reminded of what kind of person McLaurin is when he’s not catching touchdowns.

Ron Rivera believes extending Terry McLaurin impacts the entire Commanders organization, and he’s right.

"“He’s an organizational signing,” Rivera told the media. “It impacts not just the football side but the business side. It tells people we want to retain young men of this stature; we want young men of this magnitude out there representing our organization.”"

After the press conference ended, Rivera caught up with JP Finlay of NBC Sports Washington and echoed similar praise for McLaurin.

"“I think that (extending McLaurin) sends the right kind of message,” Rivera told Finlay. “Not just to our team, not just to our players, but our community. I know the community loves who Terry is for us. And when you have that type of guy that represents you on and off the field. That’s very important.”"

It’s clear Rivera is trying to rebuild Washington’s image and extending a player and person of McLaurin’s prestige will definitely help matters. Of course, the extension and heartfelt press conference come amid a congressional investigation into owner Dan Snyder and the organization’s toxic workplace culture.

We think we speak for every Commanders fan when we say Rivera has done a sublime job weathering the off-field distractions that have precipitated a widespread funereal perception of the team. The head coach’s efforts haven’t been lost on McLaurin, who praised Rivera’s handling of matters out of his control.

"“We trust Coach Rivera’s vision and how he leads us,” McLaurin said, via John Keim of ESPN. “He does a great job handling it and taking all the pressure on from outside voices. … We represent the organization the best way we can on and off the field. We take that seriously. It comes with work and, honestly, transparency and working hard as a collective group and building unity. Coach Rivera allows us to focus on the field. We understand what’s going on outside; we want to focus on where we’re heading.”"

Rivera has preached that fostering a winning culture is contingent on players being unselfish and putting the team first and foremost. From not caring much about personal stats or accolades, preventing potential pick-six’s thanks to sheer effort, treating every press conference like an SAT  and always giving guidance to teammates, McLaurin meets all of the criteria Rivera seeks in a building block.

Like we said earlier: this is a move you make 100 times out of 100.