Terry McLaurin spoke to the media for 14 minutes and 55 seconds on Thursday afternoon, following the second Commanders training camp practice.
The veteran receiver talked about a ton, from Antonio Williams to Chig Okonkwo to his working relationship with quarterback Jayden Daniels and coordinator David Blough. Each answer was thoughtful and provided insight to the topic at hand. He was comfortable discussing the technical aspects of his position and how small adjustments can turn a small gain to big
ones.
There was one sentence among hundreds uttered that truly encapsulated McLaurin and his value to the 2026 Commanders.
“I’m trying to think of things that help us all.”
That line got me. McLaurin was talking specifically about the collaborative culture Blough is building, but it could’ve applied to any topic on the table.
That seems to be McLaurin’s baseline motivation this year.
I’m trying to think of things that help us all.
That obviously involves his role as No. 1 receiver and a primary offensive producer. It involves his mentorship of young receivers. It involves making plays in practice that creates energy.
It involves a conceptual knowledge of Blough’s offense and how best to function from each position, while understanding how he impacts those around him. It involves consistent work with Daniels throughout the offseason, and using the rapport built in previous seasons to adapt to and execute a new system.
McLaurin wasn’t as involved to this point last season while working through a contract issue – he can’t be blamed for being a businessman – that ended in a three-year, $97 million contract extension.
His impact has been felt this spring summer, in a massive and all-encompassing way.
“His presence, his voice – this is a guy who has been doing it for countless years,” Daniels said on Wednesday. “…He’s a true pro, a true vet. You guys see him after practice, coaching up the younger guys and giving the game back his knowledge and energy.”
That’s clear in McLaurin’s work with undrafted rookie Jaden Bradley. McLaurin is regularly seen pouring into the UNLV product after practice. This isn’t McLaurin’s first protege. He values the impact of giving back and was passionate about why he takes the time to do so.
“Since I’ve been here and got more years under my belt, I’ve always tried to bring young guys under my wing,” McLaurin said in his presser. “The great thing about it is that I’ve had young guys who are curious. I’m an open book. As a young guy, I was very curious and I had really good vets. I know the importance of passing that information. All of them have a great skill set or they wouldn’t be here. But there are nuances of the position. There’s gaining trust from the quarterback that’s very important. Creating certain habits at this level are important to establish the consistency that allows you to excel, continue to get better and have a long career.
“It’s great to have a group of young guys who are hungry and looking to make the most of their opportunities. I’m happy to help them, but I learn something as well. …That’s a big part of being a leader. In camp, you see things from start to finish, see guys grow and see yourself grow and help build it from the ground up.”
That was a long quote, but speaks directly to our overall theme.
I’m trying to think of things that help us all.
That motivation is clear in his work with Daniels, even on practice plays that work. The pair huddled up on Thursday after a successful completion and diagnosed how a productive play could’ve been better.
McLaurin felt like he had to throttle a bit on the route to make the timing work. Was the issue Daniels’ eyes? Was it McLaurin’s steps within the route? They settled on McLaurin being just off on his split. Being right in that detail would’ve made all the difference.
“With Jayden’s timing and our ability to run after catch, those can be huge plays,” McLaurin said. “That’s the difference between catch-and-tackle and catch-and-runs. We want catch-and-runs.”
That comes with rapport between receiver and quarterback while working to execute a new offense.
“We just communicate on and off the field a whole lot, whether it’s sitting in clips or talking to Blough about what we like,” McLaurin siad. “As long as we’re on the same page…When you’re on the same page with the quarterback, you can make any play right. That was the biggest thing for us, was getting reps and being on the same page. Now, as we incorporate this new offense, we’re trying to learn our assignments so we know our job first before focusing on the little nuances.
“… It’s the details like that, being able to work on them so early, plus the years spent working together that will help us have a good season together.”
