Commanders' McLaurin: I 'embrace the responsibility' after extension

Wide receiver Terry McLaurin believes he's ready to meet the Washington Commanders' expectations after signing a lucrative contract extension with the club.

"Playing in the NFL is a blessing and something I will never take for granted," McLaurin wrote in an open letter Thursday. "From the moment I stepped foot on the field as a seven-year-old to now, I continue to respect the game, play it the right way, and leave everything I have on the field. I love the grind and the process of getting better."

He added: "From the day I was drafted, I've had the singular goal to win a Super Bowl with this franchise. This is on my mind every day when I walk into the building. While I am both humbled and ecstatic about this contract, it motivates me to work even harder.

"I understand and embrace the responsibility that comes with signing this extension. To whom much is given, much is required. There is no other place I would rather be or fan base I would want to represent."

McLaurin also thanked the Commanders and his teammates.

"As with any life-altering achievement, nobody accomplishes it alone," he noted.

Washington gave McLaurin - the team's No. 1 offensive weapon - a three-year contract extension worth up to $71 million Tuesday. The 26-year-old's new $23.3-million average annual salary ranks seventh among wide receivers, according to Spotrac.

A third-round pick in 2019, McLaurin entered 2022 with only one year left on his rookie contract. The Ohio State product skipped mandatory minicamp and OTAs amid stalled negotiations with the Commanders.

McLaurin has led his team in receiving in each of the last three seasons. He's racked up 222 catches for 3,090 yards and 16 touchdowns since entering the NFL despite Washington's struggles at quarterback.