The Washington Commanders thought cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be the answer to their problems in the secondary. Not even two years later, general manager Adam Peters is probably getting ready to dispose of the four-time Pro Bowler.
Lattimore was once considered among the league's most prolific shutdown presences. His time with the New Orleans Saints had run its course, and the NFC South club managed to get a decent haul in return before the 2024 trade deadline.
They saw what was potentially coming. Peters did not, and it didn't take long to realize the Commanders were not going to get a substantial return on their investment.
The former Ohio State standout struggled to stay healthy. Even with a full offseason to rest and familiarize himself with the scheme, Lattimore continued to struggle in 2025. A torn ACL ended his campaign — and likely his time in Washington — way ahead of time.
Ivan Lambert from USA Today Sports didn't hold back when discussing Lattimore. He labeled this move as Peters' worst by a considerable margin. And his fate was probably sealed long before the offseason arrest.
"Hands down, the worst disappointment for GM Adam Peters. [Marshon] Lattimore was done. He was terrible; he was, in fact, a liability. Forget about the gun charges last week. Lattimore was never going to be brought back for 2026."Ivan Lambert
Peters was right to be a little bolder at the time. The Commanders were far exceeding expectations, and he thought acquiring Lattimore was a risk worth taking to get over the hump. Even though Washington reached the NFC Championship game, the acquisition couldn't shake off a lingering hamstring injury. And his downward spiral this season makes the front-office leader's decision simple.
Cutting Lattimore gives the Commanders some extra breathing space on their salary cap. They will save $18.5 million with no dead money ramifications whatsoever. This is the definition of a no-brainer, and it might be a while before the player gets another opportunity elsewhere.
Lattimore's off-the-field issues could lead to a suspension from the league. He's also got a long road back to recovery on the health front, which probably means teams won't be knocking down his door when his inevitable departure from the Commanders is confirmed.
It was a swing and a miss from Peters. What's important now is regrouping. Only Mike Sainristil and Trey Amos are locked in to be back in Washington's cornerback room next season. This dictates that another experienced veteran or two is required in free agency. Only this time, it cannot be an aging presence with one more good year left.
As for Lattimore? He never got going in Washington. And there is plenty of blame to go around.