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After four seasons catching passes from 10 different quarterbacks, Washington Commanders wide receiver Terry McLaurin finally earned some recognition, making his first Pro Bowl in 2022.
In true McLaurin fashion, he was even better after signing a three-year, $71 million contract extension last summer. McLaurin caught 77 passes for 1,191 yards and five touchdowns in 2022. He averaged 15.5 yards per reception. It was his third consecutive 1,000-yard season.
When analysts talk about the best wide receivers in the NFL, the usual names are mentioned: Ja’Marr Chase, Davante Adams, Justin Jefferson, Tyreek Hill and others. McLaurin’s name is often left out of the top group.
However, Pro Football Focus recently ranked the NFL’s top 32 wide receivers and placed McLaurin in the top 10 at number eight.
Since coming into the league, McLaurin has racked up more than 4,200 yards and 460 targets in four seasons with an ugly list of quarterbacks throwing him the football. He has a PFF receiving grade of at least 77.1 in each season, and passes thrown his way have generated a 101.2 passer rating, significantly higher than the baseline of those aforementioned quarterbacks.
What can we expect from McLaurin in 2023? McLaurin will likely be catching passes from Sam Howell. If the final game of 2022 is any indication, the two could have a special connection. Howell’s arm strength and accuracy could give McLaurin more opportunities in the deep passing game. He wins at every level, but Washington’s QB issues over the last three years have prevented him from making more plays deep.
There’s also new offensive coordinator Eric Bieniemy, who has promised to get the ball in the hands of his top offensive playmakers. There is no bigger playmaker than McLaurin.
If healthy, expect another big season from McLaurin.