It’s been a difficult season for Washington’s third-year wide receiver Terry McLaurin. Early in the season, it appeared McLaurin was well on his way to career-highs in several categories.
Unfortunately, several offensive issues plagued Washington, such as injuries and a lack of production from other wideouts, as well as the up-and-down play from quarterback Taylor Heinicke.
Heading into Sunday’s season finale against the Giants, McLaurin has 73 receptions for 960 yards and five touchdowns. While those are good numbers, McLaurin could’ve done much more with help. Heinicke’s lack of arm strength often led McLaurin to a ridiculous number of contested catches, and offensive coordinator Scott Turner didn’t manufacture enough opportunities for McLaurin.
Terry McLaurin leads the NFL with 23 contested catches this season, per PFF.
Next closest player has 14.
McLaurin said this week that making these grabs was his most glaring weakness in college. He worked every day to get better. Look at him now… Stud. pic.twitter.com/sRJfc77u6o
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) November 23, 2021
As a rookie, McLaurin finished with 919 yards and seven touchdowns. In 2020, with more quarterback issues, McLaurin still managed to catch 87 passes for 1,118 yards and four touchdowns.
Considering everything McLaurin dealt with in 2021, he still has an opportunity to go over 1,000 yards receiving for the second consecutive season. Not a bad accomplishment for the former third-round draft selection.
In the Week 2 win over the Giants, McLaurin finished with 11 receptions for 107 yards and a touchdown. Therefore, you have to like his chances Sunday.
This is a big offseason for McLaurin. As a player who completed their third NFL season, he is now eligible for a contract extension. Head coach Ron Rivera was asked about a possible extension Friday.
Washington has plenty of cap space and understands how important it is to sign McLaurin to a lucrative contract extension this offseason. Rivera knows he cannot allow McLaurin to reach year four without a new contract and face the possibility of using the franchise tag on his star receiver after 2022.