The Washington Commanders have activated wide receiver Terry McLaurin off the physically unable to perform (PUP) list, marking a significant step in his recovery from an ankle injury. This announcement was made by the team on August 12, 2024. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, this move is unrelated to ongoing contract negotiations that have been a source of tension for McLaurin this offseason.
McLaurin is now eligible to participate in practice, though the Commanders typically have players coming off the PUP list work with trainers on a separate field initially. He was placed on the PUP list after struggling with an ankle injury that affected him late in the previous season. The decision came after McLaurin reported to training camp following a four-day holdout, which resulted in a fine of $200,000. By returning, he avoided further financial penalties.
The stakes are high for McLaurin. If he had opted to sit out games, he would have forfeited $861,111 for each week missed, including during the bye week. The ongoing contract negotiations have reportedly seen the two sides far apart since discussions began earlier in the offseason. McLaurin has one year left on a three-year, $68 million extension he signed in 2022.
In an interview before training camp, McLaurin expressed his frustration with the lack of progress in contract talks, stating, “I want to continue my career here. I’ve created my life here. My wife and I bought our first home here. Just to see how things have played out has been disappointing.” He emphasized the importance of feeling valued and appreciated in his role.
The Commanders have not yet met McLaurin’s contract expectations, which reportedly include a deal comparable to that of DK Metcalf, who signed a four-year contract worth $33 million with $60 million guaranteed. League sources suggest that Washington might eventually offer McLaurin around $28 million per year, but that figure still falls short of his aspirations.
On July 31, 2024, McLaurin requested a trade, although multiple team sources have indicated that the Commanders have no intention of moving him. Despite his absence from practice, McLaurin has made appearances to sign autographs for fans and has been seen watching from the sidelines during intrasquad scrimmages.
Coming off his second Pro Bowl appearance, McLaurin recorded a career-best 13 touchdown receptions and was second in the NFL in that category during the last season. He has exceeded 1,000 receiving yards for five consecutive seasons, although he has yet to surpass the 1,200-yard mark.
As McLaurin returns to practice, all eyes will be on his performance and the ongoing discussions surrounding his future with the Commanders. The team, eager to maximize his contributions on the field, will likely prioritize resolving his contract situation in the coming weeks.
