This offseason’s wide receiver market has exploded, and pass-catchers are making more money than ever.
New Jacksonville Jaguars receiver Christian Kirk is a huge reason the market has become so robust. The Jags signed Kirk, who’s never eclipsed 1,000 yards in a season, to a four-year, $72 million deal, making his average annual compensation $18 million per season.
On Tuesday, the Washington Commanders and their star wideout Terry McLaurin agreed to a new three-year, $71 million deal. The deal also includes a $28 million signing bonus, the largest ever for a wide receiver. The agreement guarantees speedy “Scary Terry” at least 76 percent of the contract.
The Commanders needed to get their most consistent offensive weapon since he was drafted in 2019 and signed to an extension.
Head coach Ron Rivera had this to say about his star pass-catcher in a June 15 news conference.
“I think that’s important. When a player like this does make the impact he’s made, and not just on the football team but around the community and everything, you have to be able to take care of that guy so everybody understands this is the type of player that we want.”
The deal was important for Washington and definitely pleased some fans and former players, despite the robust payout.
New QB Carson Wentz Needs McLaurin
Getting McLaurin extended was huge for a Commanders team that may have the best offense they’ve had since 1999 when Brad Johnson, Stephen Davis, Michael Westbrook, and Albert Connell. Or in 2012, rookie Robert Griffin III electrified the league with his dynamic dual-threat ability and running back Alfred Morris toted the mail for over 1,600 rushing yards.
The belief in adding Wentz is he’s an upgrade over the below-average QB play Washington has gotten the last few seasons. While he should be, he’ll need to prove it on the gridiron, and having a weapon like McLaurin should only enhance his chances. The Wentz-to-McLaurin combination could become one of the most feared in the league if Wentz is healthy and locked in.
In his short three-year career, McLaurin has put up some pretty good numbers, 222 receptions, 3,090 yards, and 16 touchdowns, despite having eight different starting quarterbacks. Those numbers also include back-to-back 1,000-yard seasons.
McLaurin Now Top Seven In Average Salary
With his new deal, McLaurin joins Tyreek Hill, Davante Adams, DeAndre Hopkins, reigning Super Bowl MVP Cooper Kupp, AJ Brown, and Stefon Diggs in the top seven average annual value contracts for wide receivers.
Terry’s deal could also be used for Niners wideout Deebo Samuel, Seahawks wideout DK Metcalf and Steelers wideout Diontae Johnson. All seek lucrative extensions after seeing draft mates Brown and McLaurin cash in.
