The Washington Commanders must have the conviction to make some difficult decisions during the offseason. And for general manager Adam Peters, the first significant sacrifice is staring him in the face.
Nothing much has gone right for the Commanders this season. Peters was correct to make the bold moves to potentially go one better after reaching the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, it didn't reap the desired rewards, and another roster overhaul is expected in the coming months.
Peters only has six draft selections to utilize — two of which are in the first four rounds. The Commanders currently have the fifth-most available salary cap space in the league, which is positive. That could increase further, depending on the moves made.
Commanders have a simple decision to make with Marshon Lattimore this offseason
That brings Marshon Lattimore's future under a microscope. The veteran cornerback was a bombshell trade acquisition before the 2024 deadline, signaling the Commanders' return to contention. It hasn't gone according to plan, and the chances of him being around in 2026 seem remote.
Lattimore's hamstring injury upon joining the Commanders hindered his ability to make an immediate impact. Hopes were high that the four-time Pro Bowler could regain his old form this season, but he quickly became a weak link. And his torn ACL sustained against the Seattle Seahawks represented the final body blow.
Releasing Lattimore this offseason comes with no dead money and saves $18.5 million on Washington's salary cap next season. This would take Peters' available financial resources to more than $100 million, so it seems like a no-brainer, reading between the lines.
The former Ohio State standout has been around the game long enough to know what will probably come his way when the time comes. Lattimore has only one more year left on his deal, and there is no telling when he will be fit enough to participate. Getting healthy should be his primary objective, but Peters has no room for sentiment in his quest to get the Commanders back on track.
There is a lot for the Commanders to get through once the 2025 campaign concludes. Some have their fortunes hanging in the balance. But make no mistake; releasing Lattimore ahead of time should be among the simplest.
Washington thought it had found a shutdown cornerback when it secured Lattimore's services from the New Orleans Saints. Even though the move blew up in Peters's face, the Commanders' front-office leader can get out of the contract pretty easily.
That's something, at least. However, what comes next is even more critical.