Metcalf, 27, signed a five-year, $150M deal with the Steelers shortly after being traded from the Seattle Seahawks in March. (The deal contains an out after the 2026 season.)
While Commanders fans are happy that McLaurin should now be ready for Week 1 against the New York Giants, the move could be considered a slight overpay.
The former Ohio State Buckeyes star turns 30 on Sept. 15, an age when WRs typically decline. Other WRs who are approaching their 30s have signed for less this offseason.
Denver Broncos WR Courtland Sutton, who turns 30 on Oct. 10, signed a four-year, $92M extension in July.
McLaurin, however, has been more productive than Sutton and Metcalf throughout his career.
Since the Commanders selected him with pick No. 76 in the 2019 NFL Draft, he has amassed 6,379 receiving yards. Metcalf had 6,324 receiving yards in his first six seasons with Seattle, while Sutton had 5,340 receiving yards in his first seven seasons with Denver.
McLaurin has played with subpar quarterbacks for most of his career. After Washington added star QB Jayden Daniels in 2024, he produced even better numbers. In 17 games, he logged a career-high 13 touchdown catches, the second most in the league.
“Obviously, me and Terry have a very good relationship,” Daniels has said this offseason, via ESPN’s John Keim. “Whenever the time comes and he’s back out there on the field, I don’t feel we’ll miss a beat.”
The Commanders may have paid a little more than they wanted to, but the signing is still a solid move.
McLaurin is of a similar caliber to his peers. He could also help Washington go on an even deeper playoff run after making the NFC Championship Game last season.
