California, USA– August 26, 2025

The final week of the NFL preseason is wrapping up with a flurry of significant news, as teams make crucial roster decisions and star players secure their futures. A key development is a major contract extension in Washington and a high-profile trade request in Carolina, setting the stage for the upcoming regular season.

Terry McLaurin Secures Massive Extension

The Washington Commanders have successfully ended a tense contract standoff with their star wide receiver, Terry McLaurin, by agreeing to a three-year extension worth up to $96 million. The deal, which includes a $30 million signing bonus, makes McLaurin one of the highest-paid wide receivers in the league and keeps him in Washington through the 2028 season. The agreement resolves a difficult situation that saw McLaurin hold out from training camp and even reportedly request a trade after negotiations had stalled for weeks.

The extension is a major victory for the Commanders, as it solidifies the team’s long-term offensive core around McLaurin and second-year quarterback Jayden Daniels. The two had developed a strong rapport in the 2024 season, with McLaurin posting a career-high 13 receiving touchdowns. By securing McLaurin’s future, the Commanders have removed a major distraction and ensured their most reliable offensive weapon will be on the field for the season opener.

Hunter Renfrow Requests Trade from Panthers

In a surprising turn of events, wide receiver Hunter Renfrow has reportedly requested a trade from the Carolina Panthers. Renfrow, who signed with the Panthers in April after taking a year off from the NFL, is said to be unhappy with his role and is seeking an opportunity with another team. The request comes at a crucial time for the Panthers, who are preparing to reduce their roster to the final 53 players by the August 27 deadline.

The Panthers have a crowded wide receiver corps, with the recent signing of veteran Adam Thielen and a roster that includes rookie Tetairoa McMillan and second-year standout Xavier Legette. Renfrow, a former Pro Bowler with the Raiders, has had a quiet preseason and is now looking for a new home where he can have a more significant impact. The trade request adds another layer of uncertainty to Carolina’s already complicated wide receiver situation.