Overview

• Washington ended the summer standoff by reaching a reported three-year, $97 million extension with Terry McLaurin late in August, clearing him to rejoin practice.
• McLaurin said this is his first season with the same quarterback for a second straight year, after he and Jayden Daniels powered a 2024 NFC title game run that featured 82-1,096-13 receiving for McLaurin and 3,568 yards with 25 TDs passing for Daniels.
• The Commanders traded a 2025 fifth-round pick for Deebo Samuel, and Daniels built notable practice chemistry with him during McLaurin’s hold-in, connecting on deep shots and emphasizing shared vision on routes.
• Jeff Howe of The Athletic reports Samuel looks leaner and faster after shedding weight, with Washington viewing him as an asset alongside McLaurin to help unlock the offense.
• Head coach Dan Quinn highlighted Samuel’s expanded role after extra offseason reps with Daniels, and ESPN reporting indicates the staff plans to scheme touches for him from the backfield.