Jayden Daniels Gives Hopeful Answer on Terry McLaurin’s Future After MNF Absence

Washington Commanders Pro Bowl wideout Terry McLaurin was absent from Monday Night Football’s preseason matchup against the Cincinnati Bengals.

The Commanders gave their starters limited action, but McLaurin did not take the field; he was notably not at Northwest Stadium on Monday night.

READ: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin Reportedly Wants Out of Washington

Much like the Bengals' situation with star edge rusher Trey Hendrickson on the other sideline, Scary Terry is holding out, hoping for a new and beefier contract.

DETROIT, MICHIGAN - JANUARY 18: Wide receiver Terry McLaurin #17 of the Washington Commanders warms up prior to the NFC Divisional Playoff game against the Detroit Lions, at Ford Field on January 18, 2025 in Detroit, Michigan. (Photo by Brooke Sutton/Getty Images)

Enter Commanders quarterback Jayden Daniels. Speaking with ESPN's Lisa Salters on Monday night, Daniels dropped a hopeful gem about his top target.

WATCH:

"I know he’ll be coming through the door soon," Daniels commented.

McLaurin remains a big question mark for this offense, which is seemingly on the way up, largely due to Scary Terry's consistent output.

Commanders coach Dan Quinn has also played it cool, saying the star receiver’s absence was simply about being cautious with his recovery. 

McLaurin was previously nursing an ankle injury, but was recently removed from the Physically Unable to Perform (PUP) list. 

ASHBURN, VA - JULY 27: Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) and his agent Buddy Baker walk on the field during training camp on Sunday, July 27, 2025. (Photo by Hannah Foslien/For The Washington Post via Getty Images)

Still, contract drama looms over the Commanders' offense.

With Cincy and Hendrickson, the Bengals opened the door to trade their pass rusher in Hendrickson, who led the league in sacks last season (17.5).

READ: Terry McLaurin 'Frustrated' With Washington Commanders Amid 'Disappointing' Contract Talks

McLaurin went off for Washington and a rookie Jayden Daniels in 2024 — recording 82 catches, 1,096 yards and a career-high 13 touchdowns. 

Terry and Daniels powered Washington to its first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991. 

READ: Commanders Rookie RB With Funky Nickname Looks Like Washington’s Best Backfield Option

McLaurin turns 30 in September and wants a deal north of $30 million a year. The Commanders, wary of his age, are reportedly sticking closer to $28 million annually. That lowball led McLaurin to officially request a trade on July 31.

The Commanders also have Deebo Samuel, longtime Niners wide receiver, in their WR depth — in case McLaurin actually misses time.

For now, fans are stuck waiting, hoping their No. 1 receiver walks through that door. And soon.

Send us your thoughts: alejandro.avila@outkick.com / Follow along on X: @alejandroaveela