Terry McLaurin explains the benefits of playing in the slot

The Washington Commanders began training camp this week, and one of the early themes is how glad everyone is to have wide receiver Terry McLaurin back. McLaurin is happy to be back with his teammates after missing last summer due to a holdout followed by a hold-in.

>It's a new offense for McLaurin. Two years ago, the 2019 third-round pick had his best NFL season, catching 12 touchdowns in the regular season, second only to Ja'Marr Chase. He caught three more in the playoffs. Then last season happened. After returning to practice before Week 1, McLaurin suffered an injury in Week 3 that cost him seven games.

>He did eventually return to action, but had career-low numbers across the board. He's motivated to put last season behind him, much like quarterback Jayden Daniels and head coach Dan Quinn.

>Things will be a little different for McLaurin in 2026. His new offensive coordinator, David Blough, is the same age as McLaurin. They were college football rivals. McLaurin is excited to play in Blough's offense because he'll be employed much differently than he was in Kliff Kingsbury's offense.

>Shortly after he was hired, Blough said his goal was to get McLaurin 10 targets per game. That was music to McLaurin's ears. One way Blough will ensure McLaurin gets those 10 or more targets is by playing him more in the slot. McLaurin will still play on the outside, but by moving him around, Blough creates mismatches for the offense.

>McLaurin was recently asked about rookie third-round pick Antonio Williams playing more outside than in the slot at the NFL level.

>"I think in the slot you have more space to move," McLaurin said. "Not a whole lot of press coverage. Working on linebackers and safety sometimes. You'll get nickel where you're going against a corner. But, you have more spatial awareness, which I think that's naturally why he [Williams] has a good feel. To be a good slot receiver, you have to be quick and sudden, but you also have a good feel for zone. Timing of the routes, timing of the concepts, and being on the same time as the quarterback when he's ready to throw you the ball. When you go on the outside, it's more physical; it's more press-man. You're gonna get bigger corners, so with that you gotta be good with press releases, being physical at the line of scrimmage. When you've got quickness at the line like he has, it's gonna definitely help him get into free releases."

>That's a pretty good description from McLaurin. This week at training camp, McLaurin had several snaps in the slot.

>McLaurin will not be a full-time slot for the Commanders. Williams will get time there, too. So could Luke McCaffrey. By putting McLaurin in the slot, Washington's offense becomes even more unpredictable. McLaurin has certainly paid attention to all of the targets Amon-Ra St. Brown receives in Detroit. Blough plans to run a similar scheme.

>Two years ago, McLaurin set a new career high with 12 touchdowns. Could he set new marks in receptions and receiving yards in 2026? That wouldn't be bad for a 31-year-old receiver who some said was slowing down.

>This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Terry McLaurin explains the benefits of playing in the slot