Commanders Offseason Preview: Terry McLaurin Leads Most Talented Unit

Our look at the Washington Commanders receiver group ahead of free agency and the NFL Draft this offseason.

The Washington Commanders have some needs to address with nearly $100 million in salary cap space and five picks in the first 100 of April's NFL Draft.

One of the biggest needs, however, does not reside in the Commanders receiver room that is headlined by star and team captain Terry McLaurin.

But McLaurin isn't coming back this season alone, as we look at a Washington unit that will likely look different in a few months but is well on its way to being the most talented group on the team already.

Washington Commanders receiver Terry McLaurin (17) runs the ball during the second half against the New England Patriots at Gillette Stadium / Paul Rutherford-USA TODAY Sports

2024 RECEIVERS

Terry McLaurin - Jahan Dotson - Dyami Brown - Dax Milne - Davion Davis - Mitchell Tinsley - Brycen Tremayne - Kazmeir Allen

With Allen signed to the team on Thursday, he rounds out the eight names currently scheduled to be on the team when the 2024 NFL Season officially begins in March. 

Typically, teams like to have six or seven receivers on the active roster and some reserves on the practice squad in case the injury bug creeps up.

Allen was a member of that practice squad last season and also flashed some preseason potential as a punt returner before missing the cut at the start of the regular season.

Meanwhile, Dotson enters his third year after falling short of high aspirations in 2023 that his second would be his breakout season. 

Even if it comes a year later than most expected, having his true potential show up in the coming year will be a welcome sight to all, especially whoever happens to be throwing him the ball.

2024 FREE AGENTS

Curtis Samuel - Jamison Crowder - Byron Pringle

Samuel is the biggest name on the list and one that most would love to see return to Washington for a fourth season since coming over from the Carolina Panthers via free agency. 

If it happens, it'll likely cost the Commanders around $34.6 million ($11.5 million annual average value) according to Spotrac's valuation.

Of course, with all the tools that front offices have at their disposal these days, it won't actually cost Washington $11.5 million if it doesn't want him to.

Tools like void years, which Samuel's previous contract had attached to it, costing the team $4.8 million in dead cap in 2024.

Commanders Offseason Preview: QB Leads in Importance

2024 CAP DEDICATION: $33.55M

Currently, the Commanders rank 13th in 2024 in positional spending for their receiver group and even though we like the duo of McLaurin and Dotson at the top if Samuel doesn't return the team will need to address their third receiver position elsewhere.

Whether that's through the NFL Draft or free agency is up for debate, and some even want to see Washington use its No. 2 over pick on Ohio State star Marvin Harrison Jr.