Washington Commanders face June 2025 chaos as Terry McLaurin holds out and Trey Hendrickson trade rumors swirl. Will they pay their star WR or add a sack king?
StatPro NFL Beat Reporter
Just when it felt like the Commanders were building on last season's NFC Championship game appearance, a storm has erupted in Ashburn. Star wide receiver Terry McLaurin, the heart and soul of the offense, has 'unexpectedly' left voluntary workouts amid frustrations over a new contract, sending shockwaves through the fanbase and sparking a flurry of trade speculation. As one fire starts, another potential blockbuster move emerges, with the team now heavily linked to the league's reigning sack king.
Terry McLaurin has topped 1,000 receiving yards in five straight campaigns.
The situation with 'Scary Terry' is reaching a boiling point. Reports indicate the 29-year-old Pro Bowler is 'frustrated with the lack of progress' on a contract extension, and his departure from workouts is a clear message to the front office. While outlets like Bleacher Report are already drafting potential trade packages, the sentiment in Washington is clear: Pay the man. McLaurin isn't just a stat machine; he's the team's offensive identity. Trading him would be a monumental step backward for a team with championship aspirations. The front office needs to get this resolved, and fast.
While the offense deals with a potential crisis, the defense could be on the verge of a massive upgrade. Washington continues to be linked to Bengals star pass rusher Trey Hendrickson. Adding last year's sack leader would be a home run, creating a fearsome defensive front. However, that front is already facing challenges. Key defensive tackle Daron Payne is currently questionable for the Week 1 opener against the Giants with a knee injury. His leadership and presence are vital, especially as the team faces the league's eighth-toughest schedule. The prospect of pairing a healthy Payne with Hendrickson is tantalizing, but right now, it's a mix of exciting possibility and concerning reality.
Beyond the big headlines, new faces are already making their mark. Rookie cornerback Trey Amos is reportedly turning heads and making a strong impression in early activities. Despite a crowded depth chart featuring veterans like Marshon Lattimore and Jonathan Jones, Amos is pushing to contribute immediately. It's this kind of depth the team will need, especially with a heated season opener on September 7 against the New York Giants. Commanders fans are already getting invested, taking a keen interest in a recent scuffle at Giants OTAs. With Dan Quinn set to face a Russell Wilson-led offense in his first game, every bit of intel and every ounce of competitive fire matters.
The Commanders are at a critical juncture. The decisions made in the coming weeks regarding Terry McLaurin's contract and a potential blockbuster trade for Trey Hendrickson will define the ceiling for this team. With the season opener against the Giants looming and key players like Daron Payne already on the mend, the front office is under immense pressure. Will they secure their offensive cornerstone and add a defensive game-changer, or will uncertainty cloud their path back to the Super Bowl? The next chapter of Washington's championship pursuit is being written right now.
