McLaurin turned in one of the best years of his career in his first season with Jayden Daniels at the helm. The veteran receiver caught 82 passes for 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns after never surpassing more than seven scores in his previous five seasons. McLaurin has one year left on the three-year extension he signed in 2022 and will turn 30 shortly after the start of next season. He has plenty left in the tank and is again expected to serve as the Commanders’ WR1 despite the team acquiring Deebo Samuel this offseason. He’ll make for a high-upside WR2 for those taking shots on him in fantasy drafts next season.

McLaurin is entering the final year of a three-year extension signed in 2022. Entering his age-30 season in 2025, there’s no doubting McLaurin’s credentials on the field even as he creeps closer to the inevitable decline phase. An extension could get McLaurin’s guaranteed cash flow going again and lower his $25.25 million cap figure for 2025. It seems like as obvious place as any to start as the Commanders look to keep last year’s momentum going with what Over The Cap has as $87 million in cap space lined up for this offseason.

McLaurin’s touchdown was a second quarter slant he turned into a 36-yard score. Beyond that, it was a quiet ending to a new career-best campaign fueled by the arrival of Jayden Daniels. Finally gifted competent quarterback play for the first time in six years, McLaurin caught his most passes (82) since 2020, and nearly doubled his previous best touchdown total as he found the end zone 13 times. It’s still a bit surprising McLaurin couldn’t even reach 1,100 yards in 17 games. It wasn’t quite a 2023 DJ Moore style breakout. It was still confirmation McLaurin can be a genuine WR1 if only his QB would give him a chance. Although the Commanders are all but certain to add receiving help, McLaurin will remain a higher-end WR2 for 2025. 29-year-old McLaurin is a short extension candidate heading into the final year of his contract.

McLaurin did most of his damage on a 58-yard touchdown grab in the second quarter. He caught a screen pass from Jayden Daniels, burst through a mass of occupied blockers, and never looked back, giving Washington a lead they would go on to hold for the remaining 36 minutes and change. McLaurin has at least 60 yards and a touchdown in three straight games. They will need another heroic performance from him next week when Washington takes on the winner of the Eagles/Rams game for the NFC title. Per usual, McLaurin will be a high-ceiling fantasy bet as the Commanders look to continue their magical run.