Washington Commanders to Release Veteran Cornerback Marshon Lattimore The Washington Commanders have decided to release veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore before the start of the new league year, ending a two-year tenure that proved to be a costly misstep for the team. The move, confirmed by a league source, marks the conclusion of a failed attempt to strengthen the secondary, which had long been a weakness for the franchise. The decision is expected to free up $18.5 million in salary cap space, a significant financial benefit for a team in the midst of a rebuild. Lattimore’s struggles since joining the Commanders, combined with the team’s overall defensive shortcomings, made the release inevitable. Lattimore was acquired in November 2024 as part of a trade that saw the Commanders give up multiple draft picks, including a 2025 third-, fourth-, and sixth-round selection, along with a fifth-round pick from the New Orleans Saints. The trade occurred when the Commanders were 7-2 and positioned for a deep playoff run, but their secondary remained their weakest unit. Through Week 9 of the 2024 season, Washington’s defense had allowed a league-high 14.2 percent explosive play rate to opponents, a statistic that dropped slightly to 12.1 percent by the season’s end. The Commanders hoped Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl selection and 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year, would provide immediate upgrades to their back end. However, Lattimore’s integration into the team was hindered by a hamstring injury he suffered with the Saints earlier in the season. Despite his reputation as a seasoned player, his performance with the Commanders was inconsistent. His first start against the Saints in Week 15 showed promise, as he was not targeted by his former team, but his struggles quickly became apparent.#washington_commanders #marshon_lattimore #adam_peters #daronte_jones #lakewood_ohio
