Terry McLaurin cut a somber figure throughout the offseason. Only one thing from the Washington Commanders could change that.
The wide receiver was embroiled in a contract battle with the Commanders that took every drastic turn imaginable. Fans were wondering if it would ever reach a successful outcome, especially considering the player's demands and how both sides were so firmly dug into their respective stances.
Deadlines matter. Week 1 against the New York Giants was fast approaching. The Commanders weren't going to budge, so McLaurin's representative and Adam Peters finally came to a successful resolution.
Terry McLaurin was back at Commanders practice like nothing had ever happened
Peters gave agent Buddy Baker his chance to revel in the glory of McLaurin's extension. However, the full details of the contract indicate that the general manager and the franchise got the best out of this particular transaction.
If Peters and McLaurin are happy, everyone should be. And it was no surprise to see the former third-round pick out of Ohio State show up to practice looking like a different player.
There was a smile on McLaurin's face. He was his typically vibrant self. He was engaged with his teammates. And the most important thing of all? He was practicing.
Terry McLaurin has returned to the practice field.
— Scott Abraham (@Scott7news) August 27, 2025
This might be the best 115 seconds of your summer.
You're welcome. pic.twitter.com/pk4mA8S21E
McLaurin didn't look like he missed a beat. The ankle issue that was reportedly bothering him over the summer had evaporated in the blink of an eye. And just as the wideout told quarterback Jayden Daniels, it's just like riding a bike.
"I was telling Jayden [Daniels], it’s like riding a bike. Those things never run away from you, per se. And I wasn’t just doing nothing while this contract situation was going on."Terry McLaurin via The Athletic
Everything is back to normal. It'll be a gradual process to get McLaurin back into true football shape, but all signs point to the Ohio State product making an influential contribution to the Commanders' hopes during their regular-season opener at Northwest Stadium.
Nobody entertained the thought of McLaurin being traded. He might have handed in a request for that eventuality, but Peters brushed it off as a bargaining chip. He stayed the course, getting a good deal for the organization while also acknowledging the player's importance to the squad.
It's been a long time since the Commanders were run with such professionalism. Peters is an expert negotiator and tactician. If anyone was still doubting the front-office leader, this should eviscerate any remaining concerns.
That's a win-win for everybody. And there was nobody happier than McLaurin to finally get this long-running saga concluded just in time.