Adam Peters kicked off his bold approach by trading for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. Not even two years into his tenure with the Washington Commanders, he looks primed for an early release.
Lattimore never got going in Washington. A hamstring injury dented his hopes of making an immediate impact. Hopes remained that improvements would arrive with a full offseason to heal and learn the defensive scheme, but it was evident from early on that something was missing. A torn ACL sustained against the Seattle Seahawks means his time in the Commanders will likely come to an end in the not-too-distant future.
Even though Lattimore has one more year remaining on his deal, releasing the Ohio State product would save the Commanders $18.5 million on their 2026 salary cap with no dead money attached. Considering his inconsistent form and the fact that he could miss considerable time next year, the decision seems pretty straightforward.
Commanders could target Jaylen Watson as the perfect Marshon Lattimore
How the Commanders replace him is crucial.
Second-round rookie Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil are the only guarantees to return in Washington's cornerback room. With only six selections in the 2026 NFL Draft, Peters needs to spend in free agency. And if Lattimore is released as expected, Washington could have north of $100 million to utilize.
There could be an intriguing option worth considering, who looks like the perfect replacement for Lattimore. Jaylen Watson is firmly in the prime of his NFL journey at 27 years old, and the Kansas City Chiefs are going through an expected period of transition after failing to reach the playoffs. The AFC West club may have been unable to meet expectations this season, but the cornerback has emerged as a genuine bright spot amid the chaos.
Watson's been a lockdown presence in coverage. He's a stout run-stopper who thrives in blitzing duties. At 6-foot-2, he's the sort of big, physical cornerback head coach Dan Quinn typically looks for. However, the promise of a new defensive coordinator could alter how Washington approaches recruiting.
According to Spotrac, Watson is expected to command around $12.64 million annually on a three-year, $37.92 million deal. Considering the Chiefs are projected to be $48 million over the cap right now, they might not have the resources to make him an acceptable offer.
The Commanders have no such problem. Interest in Watson would be high on the open market, but Washington is no longer a toxic destination. They are ambitious and eager to get back on track. Placing the former Ventura College standout alongside Amos and Sainristil is something Peters should strongly consider.
As for Lattimore? He'll be firmly focused on a quick recovery, but his future probably lies elsewhere.