The Washington Commanders' journey with cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been a rocky one, and it seems the time has come for both parties to move on. The Commanders invested heavily in acquiring Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 trade deadline, but injuries and underwhelming performances have left fans and management wanting more.
Lattimore's tenure in Washington hit a low point with a torn ACL in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, likely marking his last appearance in a Commanders uniform. The consensus among analysts, including ESPN's Aaron Schatz, is that a separation would benefit both Lattimore and the Commanders.
Last season, Lattimore struggled, recording just 27 tackles and one interception over nine games before his injury. With one year left on his contract and no guaranteed money, the Commanders can release him and free up a significant $18.5 million in cap space. This financial flexibility is crucial for addressing other roster needs through free agency.
Lattimore's future in the NFL remains uncertain. His recent injury woes and decline in performance present challenges for any team considering signing him. His recovery timeline could impact his availability for the 2026 season, adding further complications.
For the Commanders, the need for reinforcements in the cornerback position is pressing. While Trey Amos and Mike Sainristil are expected to stay, the team must seek proven talent to fit into defensive coordinator Daronte Jones' system. General manager Adam Peters now has the opportunity to utilize the available cap space to bolster the secondary with experienced players.
Peters' bold move to acquire Lattimore was a gamble aimed at elevating the Commanders, but not all risks pay off. As the team looks ahead, the focus will be on strategic acquisitions to strengthen their defense and move forward from this chapter.