Most Washington Commanders fans are expecting veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore to be released at some stage during the offseason. And the sooner it happens, the sooner general manager Adam Peters can add to his available financial resources in free agency.
This seemed like a foregone conclusion, at least from the outside looking in. However, the general manager's comments at the 2026 NFL Scouting Combine indicated this is not as automatic as it once appeared.
The Commanders' bombshell trade for Lattimore came with expectations he hasn't matched. Injuries dented his ability to make an instant impression. But even when he was healthy in 2025, the four-time Pro Bowler became a weak link opposing offenses exploited with alarming frequency.
Commanders are not committing to a Marshon Lattimore decision, but that time is fast approaching
Couple this with Lattimore's lengthy absence with a torn ACL, together with the savings released with his early departure, and it's not hard to connect the dots. Even so, Peters said there were many moving parts involved in determining the player's future, and nothing is set in stone right now.
"We haven’t made a final decision there. There’s a lot of things that go into that, and we still have a few more conversations. Until then, he’s still on our team."Adam Peters via The Athletic
This was somewhat surprising. Maybe Peters is trying to lure an unlikely trade offer from somewhere. John Keim of ESPN reported, citing sources, that the holdup wasn't due to negotiations over an injury settlement. That suggests it has more to do with a recovery timeline or how new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones sees him within his schematic concepts.
Jones's work with defensive backs is renowned. He's an accomplished coach who will rely heavily on corners who can lock down their men in press coverage. There weren't many more accomplished than Lattimore at this trait once upon a time, but it's clear his best days are long gone.
Even so, someone with Jones' glittering credentials may feel that improvements can be made if he can get back at some stage over the summer.
Perhaps this was just a case of not wanting to give too much away. Peters is a smart guy, and he never reveals his hand too soon. The Commanders may be deciding on the next step with Lattimore. They may have made up their minds and are just waiting until the new league year begins before making their intentions public.
There is just no telling for sure. Still, it would be the biggest shock imaginable if the Ohio State product was still in a Washington uniform by the time Week 1 of the 2026 season rolled around.
Time will tell. But for fans, there isn't too much longer to wait before Peters shows his hand.