The Washington Commanders are set to part ways with cornerback Marshon Lattimore ahead of the new league year, which begins on March 11, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter. This decision comes as Lattimore was facing an $18.5 million cap hit for the upcoming season, a burden Washington has chosen to eliminate prior to the final year of his contract.
Lattimore was acquired by the Commanders during the 2024 trade deadline, with the team giving up third, fourth, and sixth-round picks to the New Orleans Saints for the talented cornerback, who had earned four Pro Bowl selections. The acquisition was part of a strategic effort to enhance the team’s roster, particularly after a surprising run to the NFC Championship game just two seasons prior.
However, Lattimore’s performance in Washington was disappointing. Injuries plagued his time with the team, as he managed to appear in only two games in 2024 due to a hamstring issue and later suffered a torn anterior cruciate ligament in November. This led to a tough season, where he registered a 93.3 passer rating when targeted, marking the second-worst performance of his career, according to Next Gen Stats.
Adding to the team’s concerns, Lattimore was also arrested in January in Ohio on felony charges for improperly handling firearms in a vehicle and carrying concealed weapons.
Despite the recent developments, Commanders general manager Adam Peters noted at the NFL scouting combine last week that evaluations regarding Lattimore’s future were ongoing. he had remarked, “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.”
This move indicates the Commanders are looking to reshape their roster, reflecting their focus on ensuring that their strategic decisions align with the team’s aspirations for the upcoming seasons.