Terry McLaurin’s ongoing contract standoff with the Washington Commanders continues to draw quiet support across the NFL, with one notable voice now chiming in: running back Austin Ekeler. The veteran wasn’t loud or pushy, but his message carried clarity. And in the midst of stalled negotiations, that show of respect mattered.
Austin Ekeler Backs Terry McLaurin Amid Contract Tension With Commanders
Ekeler, speaking on McLaurin’s situation, offered his perspective from the lens of someone who understands the personal nature of such high-stakes conversations.
“Go get what you’re worth because you’re a huge impact not only on the team but the league in general…he should be compensated…”@AustinEkeler gives his thoughts on Terry McLaurin’s contract negotiations with the Commanders:
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“Yeah, all of these conversations get really personal for us,” he said. Ekeler emphasized that even casual discussions about contracts are avoided unless there’s a strong personal bond between players. The reason? Sensitivity and the ever-present threat of leaked information.
“So a lot of encouragement, but definitely staying out,” Ekeler added. “I don’t even want to be in that because then now I have information that if someone asked me about actually do know and I got to say I can’t talk.”
Yet ͏even as he kept his distance͏, Ekeler made it clear͏ where ͏he stood when it came to McLauri͏n’s value: “Go get what you’re worth because you͏’͏re a huge impact not only on the͏ team but the league in general.” He ͏pointed out McLaurin͏’͏s consistent ͏playmaking, particularly ͏last season, as ͏a͏ basis͏ for why͏ ͏he deserves significant compensation.͏
McLaurin’s absence from Washington’s voluntary OTAs and mandatory minicamp underscores how serious this contract dispute has become. The wide receiver isn’t taking unnecessary risks ahead of what he hopes will be a lucrative new deal. Notably, this is the same approach he used before signing his first extension, and no one questioned him then either.
Frustration is reportedly building behind the scenes, though there’s no public panic yet. Media speculation about a potential trade has been dismissed as asinine, and new GM Adam Peters is said to be fully aware of McLaurin’s importance to the Commanders. This isn’t about leverage games. It’s about meeting in the middle.
McLaurin’s resume speaks volumes. A second-team All-Pro and two-time Pro Bowler, he shattered the franchise record for single-season receiving touchdowns in 2024.
But his value transcends numbers. He is a respected locker room leader, the kind of player others follow both for performance and professionalism. That rare combination is why many, including Ekeler, are voicing support.
Ekeler summed it up best: “He should be compensated because he’s a high-impact player and a high-value player for the league.” In Washington, fans and teammates alike echo that sentiment. Now, it’s up to the front office to make it official.