The Washington Commanders finally decided to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore, according to reports. This inevitable move brings an end to his stint with the franchise, which fell flat pretty early on, despite much being expected after a blockbuster trade before the 2024 deadline.
Lattimore's departure with one year remaining on his deal is projected to save the Commanders $18.5 million in cap space in 2026, though that figure might drop slightly if an injury settlement is attached. Although it was all but guaranteed, it does leave another hole that must be filled.
Fortunately, the Commanders have plenty of cash to spend in free agency. Lattimore's release, coupled with offensive lineman Nick Allegretti's extension and starting center Tyler Biadasz's departure, means Washington is probably above $90 million in available cap space now. That means nobody should be out of reach, depending on the defensive scheme fit under Daronte Jones.
Commanders should aggressively pursue Jaylen Watson to replace Marshon Lattimore
John Keim of ESPN, citing league sources, reported that the Commanders are expected to be aggressive in their pursuit of a starting-caliber cornerback to replace Lattimore in free agency. This is the only viable route, and there are several enticing candidates worth considering.
Jaylen Watson might be what the Commanders are looking for. The 6-foot-2 boundary asset is about to hit free agency after a standout spell with the Kansas City Chiefs. The 2022 seventh-round pick emerged from nowhere to become a core piece of their defensive puzzle, winning two Super Bowls and progressing to levels most experts never envisaged.
And now, it's time to cash in.
Watson looks tailor-made for Jones' defensive unit. He's long, excels in press coverage, and has an aggressive demeanor that's hard not to love. The Ventura College product missed 11 games during the 2024 campaign but managed to bounce back effectively last time around, giving up a measly 79.0 passer rating when targeted. And at 27, he's got plenty of good years left in the tank.
Acquiring Watson may not break the bank, either. Spotrac projects his market value at $12.47 million per season on a three-year, $37.42 million deal. Not top-end money, but there is no telling where it might go if a bidding war for his services begins when the legal tampering window opens.
Watson is an outstanding player. Pairing him with Trey Amos as the outside corner tandem would provide physicality and athleticism, both in coverage and against the run. This addition won't solve every problem Washington has, but it would get them a lot closer.
The Lattimore trade may have blown up. But in Watson, the Commanders now have a ready-made replacement waiting in free agency.