When the Washington Commanders made their blockbuster trade for cornerback Marshon Lattimore, it was Adam Peters' biggest statement of intent since becoming general manager. Not even two seasons later, and it's now become his costliest mistake.
With an almost inevitable feeling about the final outcome, ESPN's Adam Schefter confirmed that the Commanders have informed Lattimore he's being released. It certainly wasn't a shock to fans, and it probably wasn't exactly breaking news to the player either.
The Commanders thought Lattimore could become the shutdown presence this defense desperately lacked; a true difference-maker capable of locking down the opposition's best receiving threat to solidify one half of the field in coverage. What followed was anything but, and Washington rightfully parted ways.
Commanders finally put Marhon Lattimore out of his misery with inevitable release
Lattimore came into the Commanders with a nagging hamstring injury that he never truly shook off. The four-time Pro Bowler flashed brief glimpses of his old self, but nothing more. However, with a full offseason to heal and learn the defensive scheme, hopes were high around a bounce-back in 2025.
Peters has supreme faith that fans would see the best of Lattimore. Unfortunately, his inability to come through in key moments became a weakness that opposing offenses exploited. His poor technique led to several defensive pass-interference penalties. His fiery temperament often boiled over, partly due to frustration over his waning capabilities in a competitive setting.
A torn ACL ended Lattimore's campaign ahead of time. His status in Washington was precarious even before the injury. After it, the Ohio State product's fate became a foregone conclusion.
The Commanders are projected to save $18.5 million by cutting Lattimore, though that might come down slightly if there is an injury settlement involved. Either way, with this early departure and veteran offensive lineman Nick Allegretti's extension set to reduce his cap number next season, Washington could now have more than $90 million to spend in free agency. And every cent will be needed to get this project back on track.
As for Lattimore? He'll be focused on getting fully healthy. After that, another opportunity should arise, though his days of being an elite corner are probably long gone. But if the defensive back can find a landing spot that allows him to come along gradually in a complementary role, that seems to be his best-case scenario right now.
Peters wasn't wrong for making the trade for Lattimore. He believed the Commanders were in a position to contend much sooner than expected, and he was right. Washington made the NFC Championship game in Year 1, but the corner didn't play any meaningful role when push came to shove.
At least, Peters didn't give Lattimore an extension. That's the silver lining in all this, and Washington now has extra ammunition to spend when the legal tampering window opens.