Commanders 'must' get an extension done with Terry McLaurin before training camp

Will the Washington Commanders get a deal done with star wide receiver Terry McLaurin before training camp?

McLaurin, who will turn 30 in September, is coming off the best season of his six-year NFL career. While his receptions (82) and receiving yards (1,096) were in line with his previous numbers, McLaurin caught 13 touchdowns, almost doubling his previous career high (7), set in 2019. McLaurin would also catch three more touchdowns in Washington's run to the NFC championship game.

It's the perfect time for McLaurin to seek a new contract. He has one year remaining on a three-year extension he signed in 2022 — three years, $71 million.

Last week, McLaurin missed one of Washington's OTAs. It's unknown if he missed due to his contract or if this was an approved absence. Regardless, it does not matter. McLaurin is the ultimate teammate and leader. This timeline is similar to 2022, and the Commanders' previous regime agreed to a deal at the end of June, in time for training camp.

McLaurin and the Commanders have said the two sides are working on a deal. Washington understands McLaurin's importance, and it goes beyond the field. Bleacher Report recently named six players who "must" be extended before training camp. McLaurin topped the list.

Ever since being a third-round pick six years ago, all McLaurin has done for the Washington Commanders is produce. 

He’s currently on a five-year streak of logging over 75 catches and 1,000 yards, with his rookie season being the lone campaign he didn’t cross those thresholds. But even in that season, the Ohio State product still put up good numbers with 58 receptions, 918 yards and seven touchdowns in a career-low 14 games.

To be fair, the organization has already acknowledged that the two-time Pro Bowler brings a lot to the table, signing him to a three-year, $68.2 million contract extension in 2022. However, his deal is almost up again, and it’s time for the new ownership group to open up its checkbook.

No Washington fan should be concerned about this deal. McLaurin and the Commanders belong with one another and are happy together. McLaurin finally has the quarterback he's long deserved in Jayden Daniels. Whether it's next week or next month, the Commanders will do right by McLaurin. New owner Josh Harris has made all the right moves so far, and keeping McLaurin happy is easy.

McLaurin is one of the NFL's best receivers, but he's an even better person and teammate. He's beloved by Washington fans, teammates, coaches and executives. A deal will happen.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders' must' extend Terry McLaurin before training camp