The Washington Commanders find themselves in a compelling scenario with cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Since acquiring him from the New Orleans Saints on November 5, Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, has been plagued by injuries, taking the field in just 2 of 8 regular-season games. As the team gears up to face the Philadelphia Eagles in the NFC Championship Game on January 26, fans are hoping for a resurgence that could rewrite the narrative of his tenure in Washington.
The buzz around Lattimore centers not just on his potential to aid in a historic Super Bowl run—the franchise’s first appearance since the 1991 season—but also on the financial implications of his continued presence on the roster. With an $18 million price tag looming for 2025, the decision to retain him becomes increasingly complex. While cutting him could appear imprudent given the recent trade costs, it could potentially alleviate salary cap pressures, allowing the Commanders to leverage an already impressive $100 million in cap room to chase top-tier free agents.
Lattimore’s injury history is a factor that can’t be ignored; missing 25 regular season games over the past three seasons has raised valid concerns about his reliability. This underlies the notion from analysts that he might become a cap casualty—a move that could free up the full $18 million cap hit, should the Commanders doubt his ability to stay healthy and perform at an elite level.
For Washington, the trade for Lattimore was a bold move, costing them a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick, and fetching only a fifth-rounder in return. This wasn’t a trivial cost for a franchise that has seen substantial returns from its 2024 draft class. That year marked a turning point, where they secured foundational talent like quarterback Jayden Daniels (No. 2 overall) and defensive stalwarts Jer’Zhan Newton (No. 36 overall) and Mike Sainristil (No. 50 overall). Further, they found promising future starters in Brandon Coleman, Ben Sinnott, and Luke McCaffrey across various rounds.
Looking ahead, if the Commanders choose to part ways with Lattimore, a deep pool of free agent cornerbacks offers enticing alternatives. Players like Charvarius Ward of the San Francisco 49ers and Donte Jackson from the Pittsburgh Steelers are on the radar, presenting potentially safer bets than gambling on Lattimore’s availability and performance.
Ultimately, the situation with Lattimore highlights the high-stakes juggling act that NFL teams face—balancing current play potential with long-term strategic planning. The Commanders have significant considerations as they aim to sustain their rise within the league, ensuring that each move is a calculated step toward future contention.
