At Commanders minicamp (June 2025), Terry McLaurin holds out for a new contract while CB Marshon Lattimore makes his full return. Get the latest update.
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
The Washington Commanders officially opened mandatory minicamp on Tuesday, but the biggest story was about who wasn't there. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin was a notable absentee as he holds out for a new contract, casting a significant shadow over an otherwise optimistic day in Ashburn that saw the full return of a key defensive piece.
He is all systems go.
The absence of No. 17 was felt across the practice fields. As his teammates, including quarterbacks Jayden Daniels and Marcus Mariota, went through drills, McLaurin's holdout officially began. This isn't just a negotiating tactic; it's a clear message from the captain and offensive centerpiece that he wants his long-term future secured. With the NFL setting a July 15 deadline for teams to sign franchise-tagged players to multi-year deals, that date now looms as a critical pressure point for the Commanders to get a deal done with their undisputed top receiver.
While the offense deals with uncertainty, the defense received a massive boost. Head coach Dan Quinn confirmed that cornerback Marshon Lattimore, acquired in a blockbuster trade last season, is fully cleared and participating without restrictions. After a hamstring injury limited him to just two games in 2024, having the four-time Pro Bowler healthy is a game-changer for the secondary. Quinn's declaration that Lattimore is 'all systems go' was the best news of the day, signaling that a cornerstone of the defense is ready to make his mark.
With the minicamp schedule officially released, the work has truly begun for the new-look Commanders. Coach Quinn addressed the media before practice, setting the tone for the mandatory sessions. On the field, the focus was on the quarterbacks, with rookie Jayden Daniels and veteran Marcus Mariota leading the offense. This period is crucial for Daniels to build chemistry and command the huddle ahead of training camp, and his presence, unlike McLaurin's, provides a sense of forward momentum for the franchise.
Beyond the headline-grabbing names, this minicamp is a critical evaluation period for the team's sophomore class. After a full season in the league, players from the 2024 draft are expected to transition from contributors to core pieces. While specific standout plays from day one weren't detailed, the coaching staff is undoubtedly watching closely to see which second-year players are ready to make a significant leap in 2025.
The first day of mandatory minicamp has set the stage for a dramatic summer. The Commanders have a franchise quarterback in the building and a star cornerback ready to roll, but the situation with their top offensive weapon looms large. How the front office resolves the Terry McLaurin contract standoff will be the defining story leading into training camp. All eyes are on that July 15 deadline as the clock ticks on securing the team's most important playmaker for the future.
