Marshon Lattimore's journey with the New Orleans Saints was nothing short of spectacular from 2017 to 2024. Known as one of the franchise's defensive stalwarts, Lattimore was traded to the Washington Commanders on November 5, 2024.
This move marked the end of an era for the Saints and set the stage for fresh beginnings. However, Washington's decision to release Lattimore after less than two seasons, saving $18.5 million in salary cap space, has reignited discussions about who truly benefited from this trade.
Washington had high hopes when they traded three draft picks for Lattimore, aiming to bolster their defense for a championship push. The Commanders finished the 2024 season with a strong 12-5 record, even pulling off an upset against the Detroit Lions to reach the NFC Championship game. Unfortunately, a hamstring injury limited Lattimore to just two regular-season appearances, though he did participate in all three playoff games.
In those two games, Lattimore allowed a mere 50% completion rate and 6.8 yards per attempt. However, his playoff performance saw a dip, with completion percentages rising to 71% and giving up 15.4 yards per completion, managing only one pass breakup. His struggles continued into the 2025 season, where he played nine games, allowing a 59.5% completion rate with one interception and seven pass breakups, but conceding over 14 yards per reception.
In return for Lattimore and a fifth-round draft pick, the Saints acquired third, fourth, and sixth-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. These picks turned into Virginia safety Jonas Sanker, Louisville cornerback Quincy Riley, and Kansas running back Devin Neal.
The rookies made immediate impacts, particularly on defense. Sanker filled a starting safety role, recording two interceptions, six pass breakups, a fumble recovery, and three tackles for loss among 80 total stops.
Riley, after a slow start, solidified the cornerback position with one interception, ten pass breakups, and a 59.6% completion rate allowed. Their contributions helped New Orleans rank fourth against the pass, while Washington lagged at 28th.
Neal also added value to the Saints' backfield before an injury cut his season short.
Lattimore's legacy with the Saints is undeniable. As the 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year, he was a dominant force, earning four Pro Bowl selections and consistently shutting down elite receivers.
Yet, from 2022 onward, injuries began to take their toll. Missing 20 of 44 games in his final three years with the Saints, his performance began to decline.
The trade to Washington, in hindsight, appears to have been a well-timed decision for New Orleans, allowing them to rebuild effectively and strengthen their roster for future success.