Two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver Terry McLaurin spent last offseason embroiled in a bitter contract dispute with the Washington Commanders that lasted far longer than expected. There are no such problems this time around, and it's showing.
McLaurin is on the field. He is leading from the front. And he is keen to make up for some lost time.
The wide receiver's 2025 season was a microcosm of how things unfolded for the Commanders last season. McLaurin didn't prepare effectively and struggled early on. He suffered a quad/hip flexor injury in Week 3 against the Las Vegas Raiders, which took a long time to shake off. By the time he got back, Washington was out of playoff contention.
Commanders' improvements might be as simple as Terry McLaurin's engagement
Things are noticeably different this time around. Not just for McLaurin, but for everyone on the squad.
The intensity was high. Head coach Dan Quinn raised the urgency in practices, and the established leaders led from the front. Everyone followed, and the atmosphere across the franchise has completely changed. Complacency has been replaced by supreme resolve and obvious intent. It hasn't gone unnoticed.
NFL Network insider Mike Garafolo is among those who saw something different in McLaurin. After speaking with the wideout, he got the sense that not being out front to help the team build on their remarkable NFC Championship run was frustrating. That's what he prides himself on above all else, which was hard to do when he was taking care of his own business.
One only has to look at how the standards slipped to see how integral McLaurin is to the locker room dynamic. His on-field production is renowned and respected in equal measure. But his leadership, mentorship, and ability to inspire behind the scenes are just as important.
Everything is back on track now.
McLaurin worked tirelessly away from the team to hit the ground running. He's looked sharp, and he's driving his teammates. He's taken young wideouts like third-round pick Antonio Williams and undrafted free agent Jaden Bradley under his wing, providing advice about what it takes to succeed in the pros.
In certain cases, fixing things can take time. But in Washington's case, it could be as simple as having the benefit of McLaurin's immense influence for an entire offseason.
It'll take much more when things get serious in the regular season. But having McLaurin back to set the tone, remind everyone of the required levels, and be engaged is a great place to start.
The former Ohio State standout has been a cornerstone almost from the moment he got into the building. He's not going to let the Commanders fall into the habits associated with previous regimes.
And if McLaurin is setting this sort of example, everyone else is almost obliged to follow.
Add us as a preferred source on Google