During the 2024 season, the New Orleans Saints made the decision to trade Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders at the trade deadline. New Orleans sent the veteran corner and a fifth-round pick, in exchange for a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick in the 2025 Draft. It was immediately viewed as a move that made sene for both teams.
However, after Lattimore struggled in the NFC Championship against the Philadelphia Eagles, the Saints were praised for moving on from the elite corner at the right time. With each pass caught on Lattimore, the decision to trade him by New Orleans was viewed as genius.
Now, there’s a belief that the trade could look even more genius for the Saints this offseason. In a recent NFL.com piece, naming notable cut candidates, Matt Okada argued that Lattimore could be released by his new team this offseason. If that happens, the Saints will definitely be painted in a positive light or jumping off the train at the right time.
Marshon Lattimore named as a cut candidate for the Commanders
Okada acknowledged that it’d be surprising to move on from Lattimore after just trading him, but argued the $18 million in cap space that could be created by releasing him could be enticing— especially since Lattimore hasn’t lived up to expectations with the team yet.
"Lattimore was awful in the postseason, earning a horrific 29.6 coverage grade from PFF and allowing 10 catches for 172 yards and a 136.6 passer rating on 14 targets. With a release, his entire $18 million cap hit would become savings in 2025, and while the Commanders are in superb shape (projected to be $75 million under the cap), they might rather spend those millions elsewhere as they seek to build around Jayden Daniels and become a lasting powerhouse in the NFC."Matt Okada (NFL.com)
This move would only make sense if Washington truly believes the veteran quarterback is washed. Arriving to that conclusion after a rough playoff stretch— against elite teams and receivers —is an overreaction. There’s reason to believe Lattimore can still be an elite corner for the Commanders.
During his seven games with the Saints last season, Lattimore was still playing like a shutdown corner. In New Orleans, he was targeted just 22 times, giving up 12 receptions for 114 yards. Even in two regular season games with Washington, he only gave up five receptions on 10 targets for 68 yards and a touchdown, and that all came against the Eagles.
It’s also important to note that Lattimore was dealing with a hamstring issue all throughout last season. So while dealing with that, he only struggled against two playoff teams. Washington will surely recognize that and retain him.