The finger-pointing of blame began long before the Washington Commanders' failed season reached a merciful conclusion. Almost every influential player, coach, and front office leader has been the subject of fierce criticism from the media and fans alike, which only raises the stakes further heading into a crucial offseason.
This is typically what happens when an NFL team fails to meet expectations. The Commanders won five games after reaching the NFC Championship game in 2024. That doesn't happen without collective disappointment, but that did not stop one team analyst from launching a damning attack on wide receiver Terry McLaurin.
McLaurin spent the summer embroiled in a contract dispute with the Commanders. He opted to sit out rather than take his place on the practice field, hindering his ability to prepare effectively. He eventually got an extension, but only when the price came down. And only when the number satisfied general manager Adam Peters.
Commanders analyst torches Terry McLaurin for contract standoff approach
What followed was a stuttering start to the campaign, followed by a frustrating quad/hip flexor injury that McLaurin didn't shake off until it was too late. Ivan Lambert from USA Today Sports stuck the boot into the wideout, proclaiming he wasn't in touch with reality. And the Commanders paid a heavy price.
"He [Terry McLaurin] wasn't in touch with reality, asked for entirely too much money, then called a press conference to make the Commanders look like the bad guys. He was holding out, then holding in, and as a result, he wasn't ready for the season, finishing with only 38 receptions and three touchdowns."Ivan Lambert
This is a little extreme. Players get hurt all the time, so sitting out of training camp is unlikely to have altered this one way or another. At the same time, if McLaurin and Peters could go back, they would probably do things differently.
Peters has already stated his intent to learn from this saga moving forward, especially with five-time Pro Bowl left tackle Laremy Tunsil looking to secure a contract extension ahead of time this offseason, which could potentially reset the market. Delaying the inevitable is not an option — not when there is so much at stake for the Commanders in 2026.
McLaurin was probably getting bad advice. It happens, and his representatives eventually buckled. That doesn't matter anymore. What's important is the former Ohio State standout getting a full offseason to prepare, develop chemistry with quarterback Jayden Daniels, and pick up the scheme being implemented by new offensive coordinator David Blough.
He's the focal point. McLaurin's production down the stretch was encouraging enough to believe a bounce-back campaign is assured in 2026. And the pass-catcher will be striving with everything he has to remove the stain of this season from everybody's mind.