The Washington Commanders are set to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The move, expected for some time, will free up $18.5 million in salary cap space.
Lattimore’s Short Tenure in Washington
Lattimore’s time with the Commanders was brief. Washington acquired him from the New Orleans Saints at the trade deadline in 2024. The Commanders sent three draft picks to the Saints in exchange for Lattimore and a fifth-round pick.
He was dealing with a hamstring injury when he arrived. He didn’t suit up for the Commanders for the first four games he was with the team. Lattimore played in two regular season games and all three playoff games. He started every game last season until his Week 9 injury.
Injury and Off-Field Issues Led to Release
Questions surrounding an injury settlement arose after Lattimore tore his ACL in early November. He suffered the season-ending injury against the Seahawks in Week 9. He had played in each game up to that point.
Off the field, Lattimore was arrested on January 7 in Lakewood, Ohio. He was charged with improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle. Recent gun charges seemed to put the final touches on his exit from Washington.
Commanders Eye Free Agency, Need Cornerbacks
The Commanders are expected to be aggressive in free agency, particularly at cornerback. They currently have the fifth-most cap space available. The Lattimore move was expected.
Washington needs to add another cornerback or two. Mike Sainristil is coming off a disappointing season, and Trey Amos’ rookie season ended early due to a broken leg. The Commanders also fired Joe Whitt Jr and hired new defensive coordinator Daronte Jones who will be installing his own system.
Lattimore’s Career Before Washington
A first-round pick by New Orleans in 2017, Lattimore made four Pro Bowls in his first five seasons. But since 2021 he’s suffered a variety of injuries. These include a lacerated kidney and two broken ribs in ’22, and an ankle injury in ’23. He hasn’t played in more than 10 games in a season during that span.
- He missed a combined eight games in 2024 because of a hamstring injury, including six with the Commanders.
- He did play in all three of Washington’s postseason games.
The Commanders have two potential starters under contract. These are Trey Amos, a starter as a rookie last before breaking his leg in Week 10, and Mike Sainristil, a 2024 second-round pick who has started for the past two seasons.
The new league year begins at 4 p.m. ET on March 11.