Commanders WR Terry McLaurin looks like his old self says ESPN insider

"Terry McLaurin looked like himself again."

>That's how Jeremy Fowler, ESPN football analyst, began describing what he observed at Commanders' training camp on Monday. Fowler was a guest on "Grant & Danny" on 106.7 The Fan.

>"It was hard to ignore that connection between Terry McLaurin and Jayden Daniels with that beautiful pass to start," began Fowler. "McLaurin looked like himself again, and I know last year was hard with the 'hold in' and then the injuries. So he and Jayden Daniels both look like they are on the same page. I talked with McLaurin after practice. He was almost downright giddy about the connection they have, that they are growing again or regrowing. So, that's a positive."

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Another angle of Terry McLaurin’s corner touchdown today with a pass from Jayden Daniels #RaiseHail

🎥: 1kpag on TikTok pic.twitter.com/Cet8TNEvv7

— Lile, Yean, Riley Supporter (@CommandersMuse) August 3, 2026There was another receiver who caught Fowler's eye, other than the veteran No. 1 receiver for the Commanders, McLaurin. The Commanders felt they really needed to go obtain a weapon with TE Zach Ertz tearing an ACL late last season. Consequently, in free agency they signed a tight end, Chig Okonkwo, known not a whole lot for his blocking in the run game, but for getting open as a receiver.

>"I think he is probably their receiver No. 2 right now. You know, he runs routes like a receiver, even though he is a tight end. To me, he is more of a hybrid model. With the absence of another bona fide No. 2, he's probably the 'two' to me. That stood out to me."

>It has been a topic of discussion the entire offseason: do the Commanders have a receiver who can step up and be a legitimate No. 2 NFL receiver? We know GM Adam Peters didn't think they had a good enough WR2 because in free agency he heavily pursued and made serious bids on both Alec Pierce and Romeo Doubs. The price became what Peters thought was exorbitant, so he changed course.

>Peters then signed free agent receivers Van Jefferson and Dyami Brown to improve the floor of the receivers position group, but a WR2 remained a question mark. Then in the draft, when the Commanders' turn came at No. 71, they selected WR Antonio Williams from Clemson. Of course, they are hoping Williams will develop and be the answer for a WR2. It is worth noting that Washington in 2025 used the No. 128 selection on WR Jaylin Lane, and in 2024, with the No, 100 selection, they chose WR Luke McCaffrey.

>If Terry McLaurin is back to being a very reliable WR1, that will go a long way in helping the Washington passing game in 2026.

>This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders WR Terry McLaurin looks like his old self says ESPN insider