Terry McLaurin is signed and ready to roll into the 2025-26 campaign with the Washington Commanders.
For the two-time Pro Bowl wide receiver, one key detail has stood out this week about his NFL career.
“This is the first time I’ll have the same QB for a second straight season,” McLaurin said, per JP Finlay of NBC Sports. “That definitely helps.”
The Commanders haven’t had the luxury of consistent quarterback play for most of McLaurin’s career. Now, entering Year 2 with Jayden Daniels under center, Washington finally gets the chance to build on a foundation instead of starting over.
McLaurin’s Value and the Daniels Connection
In 2024, McLaurin and Daniels helped push Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991. McLaurin hauled in 82 receptions for 1,096 yards and 13 touchdowns, while Daniels threw for 3,568 yards and 25 touchdowns on his way to winning AP Offensive Rookie of the Year.
That production speaks for itself, but McLaurin believes there’s still more to unlock now that he and Daniels can enter a season without the adjustment period that typically comes with a new quarterback.
For Daniels, McLaurin remains the reliable playmaker who can win at every level of the field. But the Commanders also added another weapon to lighten the load — Deebo Samuel.
Since entering the league in 2019, McLaurin’s caught passes from a revolving door of quarterbacks — from Case Keenum and Taylor Heinicke to Carson Wentz and Sam Howell.
That constant change limited how much Washington could maximize McLaurin’s talent. For the first time, he enters a season with trust in his quarterback, and Daniels enters Year 2 with his No. 1 option secured for the long term.
Consistency breeds efficiency, and efficiency wins games. The Commanders believe keeping McLaurin tied to Daniels will not only boost production but also solidify the identity of their offense early in the year.
Why Deebo Changes the Equation in 2025
Samuel arrived in Washington after the Commanders sent a 2025 fifth-round pick to the 49ers, and reviews from training camp have been glowing. The six-year veteran reportedly “looks leaner and faster” heading into the Week 1.
During McLaurin’s hold-in, Daniels had time to build a chemistry with Samuel, connecting on deep shots in practice sessions, and praising the veteran’s ability to make contested plays. “Deebo is starting to understand how I see things,” Daniels said. “I love hearing his feedback.”
That rapport has been crucial, especially during the period when McLaurin’s extension talks created uncertainty. While McLaurin was absent, Daniels leaned on Samuel and other receivers to keep the offense sharp. Now, with McLaurin locked in, the Commanders suddenly boast one of the NFC’s most intriguing receiving duos.
With McLaurin extended, Samuel added, and Daniels continuing his rise, Washington has the pieces in place to build on last year’s surprise postseason run. Training camp showed signs of growth in the offense’s timing and rhythm, and McLaurin’s leadership will remain pivotal as the Commanders push into 2025 with higher expectations.
McLaurin’s preparing to grow now in D.C. — with Daniels, with Samuel, and with an offense that believes it can take another step forward.
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