Washington Commanders star wide receiver Terry McLaurin is out for the season after suffering a torn patellar tendon against the San Francisco 49ers on Monday Night Football. Worse yet, there's a high chance the two-time Pro Bowler has played his final snap in burgundy and gold.
But there is one last hope.
With the money the Commanders owe McLaurin next season, and the way his contract is structured for an easy out, the long-time fan favorite seems as good as gone. But Washington could do him a favor if it makes sense for both sides.
Commanders could keep Terry McLaurin with a contract compromise
McLaurin likely won't play football again until midway through 2027. It's unlikely that anybody would trade for him, and if Washington releases him, he'll probably be unsigned until after next season starts.
There's a world where, once this is all said and done, both parties realize the best path forward is to keep McLaurin on injured reserve until he's ready to return to the Commanders. But it would have to be at a discount.
Washington isn't going to eat $34 million in cap space to keep McLaurin around strictly for sentimental reasons. The NFL is a business, and sometimes it has to be cruel.
So if he's back, it'll have to be after some complicated negotiations.
But it isn't impossible.
Terry McLaurin has earned the right for some Commanders breathing room
Washington wouldn't bend over backward to accommodate any player this way, but McLaurin is special. He's an on-and-off-field pro who has committed eight years of service to a franchise that often hasn't deserved him.
McLaurin's status as a locker room leader might be what ultimately gives the Commanders reason to keep him in the fold.
The wide receiver room should look much different next year with or without him, as it'll be Antonio Williams' world with likely a new free agent or draft pick on the way, and potentially a trade for a high-upside player such as Brian Thomas Jr.
The Ohio State product could still have a role in such an offense, just not one as big as he's used to. Though his speed may be shot after surgery, McLaurin can still be a situational short-yardage weapon and a guy the youngsters can learn from.
Maybe this is all just a big cope. But McLaurin has built up enough goodwill in Washington that they'll set aside time to map out his future, and he and general manager Adam Peters will need to reach a resolution that's best for both parties.
And that resolution just might be taking on a more team-friendly deal to stay in Washington next year.
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