Nobody needs to tell Washington Commanders fans about how badly things have gone for cornerback Marshon Lattimore since his trade to the organization. Fortunately for general manager Adam Peters, there is something he can do about it this offseason.
The Commanders gave up significant draft capital to the New Orleans Saints for Lattimore before the 2024 trade deadline. Injuries and poor performance saw him fail to meet expectations, and the torn ACL suffered in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks was probably the last time anyone will see him in a Washington uniform.
One national NFL analyst agrees, all but confirming what Commanders fans have thought for months about Lattimore's future with the organization.
Commanders and Marshon Lattimore need a fresh start away from one another this offseason
Aaron Schatz of ESPN thought a parting of the ways between the Commanders and Lattimore was inevitable. And the sooner it happens, the sooner all parties can move on from what quickly became an unmitigated disaster.
"Last season, the 29-year-old was one of the worst starting cornerbacks in the league with 27 tackles and one interception in nine games, before suffering a torn left ACL. [Marshon] Lattimore still has one year left on his contract, but there's no guaranteed money, so the Commanders could easily cut him. If he wants to continue playing in the NFL, he would be better off putting his time in Washington behind him."Aaron Schatz
Nobody associated with the Commanders will be shedding any tears when Lattimore is let go; certainly not with the savings attached to his early release. Cutting the four-time Pro Bowler gives Peters an extra $18.5 million to spend in free agency. Looking at the holes Washington needs to fill, this sum will be extremely welcome.
There is no guarantee that Lattimore will find work immediately. His powers have declined significantly. He's endured some torrid luck on the injury front, and the defensive back may not be ready to start the 2026 season. That is dependent on his recovery, but there are more than enough red flags to give teams a reason to pause.
As for the Commanders? They desperately need more in the cornerback room.
Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil will be around, but all bets are off with the rest. Lattimore underperformed, but he still needs to be replaced. Ideally, Peters will use his vast financial resources to find a proven corner or two in free agency who can thrive within defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' new schematic concepts.
Those plans will not include Lattimore. Peters was right to swing for the fences with a bold move that could have potentially gotten the Commanders over the hump. But sometimes, things don't quite work out.
That is definitely the case with Lattimore.