The Cincinnati Bengals made a huge statement of intent by extending their two prolific wide receivers simultaneously. This will not go unnoticed by other pass-catchers around the league looking for some extra financial security in the not-too-distant future.
It shouldn't go unnoticed by the Washington Commanders either.
Terry McLaurin has one more year remaining on his deal. The former third-round pick remains a key part of the team's plans and a foundational piece to build around. He's a locker-room alpha and a high-level performer on the field. It's the sort of influence that second-year general manager Adam Peters should be looking to reward.
And he would be wise to act quickly. After all, the price is only going up.
Commanders have raised urgency to lock down Terry McLaurin this offseason
The Bengals confirmed their commitment to keeping quarterback Joe Burrow happy. He wanted the team's offensive core to remain in place. The AFC North club duly obliged, splashing the cash to extend both Ja'Marr Chase and Tee Higgins to retain them long-term.
Chase is now the highest-paid non-quarterback in NFL history with a four-year, $161 million deal with $112 million guaranteed. Higgins also got paid after getting franchise tagged for the second straight offseason, receiving a four-year, $115 million deal with the first two years fully guaranteed.
That might be the starting point for McLaurin when negotiations with the Commanders eventually begin.
He's not going to enter Chase's pay, but there's a good chance his representatives want more than Higgins acquired based on his full body of work. The Ohio State product enjoyed the best season of his professional career in 2024 after Jayden Daniels' arrival, going over 1,000 receiving yards, breaking the single-season franchise record for receiving touchdowns and earning second-team All-Pro honors. McLaurin thrived in the biggest moments, cementing his status among the league's elite for good measure.
Given how much McLaurin loves the organization and how important he is to the team, it should be pretty simple to work out. The Commanders would also be wise to get a new agreement resolved with the two-time Pro Bowler at the earliest possible opportunity.
Plenty of gifted wideouts are up for extension at some stage this offseason. McLaurin's a key priority and proved his worth as one of the league's best beyond all doubt. Keeping him around won't be cheap, but it's an absolute necessity.
It wouldn't be surprising to see McLaurin get around $30 million per year on his next contract, which will be the last major financial commitment he gets all things considered. The Commanders know he's durable, productive, professional, and everything in between. This represents a smart investment as Peters looks to maximize Daniels' rookie contract in the coming years.
Just when that'll happen remains to be seen. It could be in the coming days. It could be after the draft. It could be later on in the summer.
But make no mistake, it is coming. And nobody deserves another lofty commitment from the Commanders more than McLaurin.
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