Commanders Star Receiver Ends Holdout

Terry McLaurin is back with the Washington Commanders — just not on the field.

The veteran wideout ended his brief training camp holdout Sunday, showing up to the team’s Ashburn, Virginia facility with his ankle still barking and his contract situation still unresolved. The Commanders placed him on the physically unable to perform list, which delays any return to practice but does not mute the message his presence sends.

McLaurin had skipped the first four days of camp, racking up $200,000 in fines, while waiting for traction on an extension. The two sides remain apart, and talks have not gained momentum. Still, McLaurin made a calculated decision to show up, get treatment, and — maybe — turn the pressure dial without saying a word.

He did not practice, but he did not hide, either. After greeting teammates and chatting with coaches post-practice, he spent over 30 minutes signing autographs as fans chanted his name.

“It feels good to be around my teammates and around the fans,” McLaurin said, as transcribed by John Keim of ESPN. “You lose sight of some things when the business gets involved, but I never lost sight of the way they supported me.”

The support is mutual. Inside the building, McLaurin remains one of the most respected voices — a multi-year captain and leader in every sense. He also happens to be coming off a 13-touchdown season and is a central piece of Washington’s offense as it shifts into win-now mode under quarterback Jayden Daniels.

McLaurin, who turns 30 in September, is looking for a deal that reflects both his production and market value. Recent extensions for younger receivers like Garrett Wilson of the New York Jets and DK Metcalf of the Pittsburgh Steelers reset the price point. McLaurin has made his case with performance, not public demands, but make no mistake, the clock is ticking.

So while he has not stepped on the field yet, his presence at camp is a statement of its own: McLaurin is not backing down — he is just playing the long game.