Does Terry McLaurin’s Extension Change Washington’s Narrative?

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July 1, 2022

by David Earl

Team Culture

While the business side has vastly improved since 2019, Washington owner Dan Snyder will continue to draw a dark cloud over this organization for the foreseeable future. But this article isn’t about Danny Boy; you can get updated information on that situation here. Today, we focus on actual good news from this organization. The 3-year, $71 million dollar extension for Terry McLaurin was not only well earned but sets a precedent for Ron Rivera and this team for the caliber of players they want representing Washington. Jonathan Allen last year and McLaurin today drive home a positive narrative in team culture and leadership. McLaurin had every excuse imaginable to criticize the organization’s direction, especially about the quarterback position, and take the Kirk Cousins path off the team, but instead spent his last 3 seasons exemplifying the meaning of leadership. Dan Snyder’s toxic presence and the negative national attention were not enough to deter him from being a locker room professional. His professionalism was on display from the practice field to gamedays through his demeanor and mannerisms. The term “diva” that is typical for high-profile wide receivers was never an issue for Terry and his demand for excellence through his work ethic is an example very rare for his level of notoriety. Simply put, Ron Rivera not signing Terry McLaurin would have made his mission of culture change become pretty diluted. Terry was not just a no-brainer of a signing but is a message showing everyone just how important culture is going forward.

McLaurin issued a statement to the public, which in part read, “I understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with signing this extension. To whom much is given, much is required. There is no other place I would rather be or fan base I would want to represent.” This is proof positive of the effect Ron Rivera has had on this team in spite of the owner’s ongoing off-field issues. Knowing McLaurin’s character, the fans and organization can attest this isn’t just typical player speak either. He is a passionate competitor who is dedicated to his craft. I am certain if this organization was not on the right path of a culture change, Terry might have taken a different direction. In my view, this alone is a testament to the achievements Rivera has made to change the toxic environment the previous regime and owner had constructed.

Is Terry Worth the Extension?

I don’t think this needs justification but for those sitting in the back and in the dark, let’s travel down that road anyway. I am going to steal a bit from Al Galdi (Podcast Episode 346) as he uses 4 criteria to determine if a player is worth an extension which he checks all the boxes:

  • Production: Terry McLaurin has been among the best wide receivers in drop rate (2.8%) while his catchable ball percentage was 70% and ranked tops in contested ball catches. It is no secret he’s one of the best precision route runners in the league, which is combined with the speed to break open any reception in a big play. He has performed at a high level even with the revolving door at quarterback.
  • Durability: In his first 3 seasons Terry was available in all but 3 games, which is remarkable considering that he’s already had 357 targets and the constant attention received from the defense. To put this in perspective, first round bust Josh Doctson missed 14 games in his rookie season alone and missed time the following 2 seasons.
  • Attitude: I already covered already but, to reiterate, Terry has had multiple reasons to rightfully and appropriately bury this organization, yet his level of professionalism has always remained high. The last thing he’d ever be accused of is being selfish or cancer in the locker room.
  • Age: At age 26 Terry is in his prime years right now and this extension ends at that magic number for wide receivers at age 30. This works out great for both parties, as Al Galdi eluded, that Terry will have an opportunity to get another big payday while Washington spends a reasonable number through his prime.

How About that Narrative

In no way does any of this positively change the image of Dan Snyder as that bed has been made and he will have to answer to that workplace culture. Dan will forever carry a black cloud but that does not mean his transgressions should be held over the strides made by Ron Rivera since 2019. While not everything Ron has done has been has been praised by the majority of fans, it is undeniable that his presence here has been more positive than negative. This team has seen a shift in mentality and preparation that has been sorely lacking in previous regimes. The days of the perfect “player’s coach” in Jay Gruden and the scenes of backstabbing within the locker room under Mike Shanahan are long gone as accountability and work ethic have been firmly entrenched. Leadership and maturity has become a staple in Ron’s culture change. As a result, premium players like Jonathan Allen and Terry McLaurin signed long-term extensions, and J.D. McKissic turned down a contract offer from a Super Bowl contender to returning to Washington. These moves plus others have gone a long way towards countering the idea that no one wants to come or stay here in Washington.  This is largely due in part to Ron Rivera’s mission to change this team’s toxic culture.  If you separate this current organizational makeup from Dan Snyder and his past plus any feelings you may have about some of Ron’s decisions, you have to acknowledge that the progress Ron made through so many adverse conditions needs to be applauded. The perfect follow-up would be Dan selling this team but that, unfortunately, will be a black cloud that will remain with this organization for a long time.  Ron (or the next regime) will have to find a way to win in spite of this owner. Again I share the same sentiment as Al Galdi that the Jon Allen and Terry McLaurin signings speak volumes about the new culture of this team.