The Washington Commanders are heading into a critical offseason after failing to secure a playoff spot in 2025, prompting anticipated major alterations across the team. While changes have already started with head coach Dan Quinn’s staff, the Commanders expect more extensive moves on the roster front, including decisions regarding veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore as they look to rebuild for the next season.
Injury Settlement Required Before the Commanders Can Release Marshon Lattimore
Marshon Lattimore, a seasoned cornerback and four-time Pro Bowler, began his NFL career as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2017 draft with the New Orleans Saints. After seven and a half seasons marked by multiple accolades such as Defensive Rookie of the Year in 2017, he was traded to Washington in 2024 with high expectations. However, Lattimore’s impact on the Commanders has been disappointing, limited to just 11 games largely due to injuries, and when active, his performance did not meet the team’s needs.
A significant complication for Washington is Lattimore’s torn ACL suffered last season, which prematurely ended his campaign. Because of his injury status, the Commanders cannot simply cut ties with him, although releasing him would save nearly $18.5 million against the salary cap. David Harrison of Locked on Commanders explained the team’s legal obligation in this situation:
“Because Marshon Lattimore is injured, the Washington Commanders cannot just release him,”
Harrison said.
“If they just simply release him, then what they’d run the risk of is Marshon Lattimore and his agent filing a grievance against the Washington Commanders, because teams are not allowed to just simply release an injured player … What’s going to happen is an injury settlement. That has to be negotiated.”
March 15 Deadline Looms for Settling with Lattimore
The Commanders have until March 15 to negotiate an injury settlement with Lattimore. If an agreement is reached, Washington can move forward with freeing cap space, although this comes after surrendering three draft picks to acquire him from New Orleans, underscoring how the trade has not produced the anticipated dividends.
Once Lattimore is off the roster, the Commanders will face the significant challenge of filling the void at cornerback. Despite Lattimore’s struggles, replacing a player with his caliber and experience is a complex task that will require careful planning and likely new acquisitions as the team attempts to strengthen its defense ahead of the 2026 season.
Given the urgency to reshape the roster after another disappointing season, Washington’s handling of the Marshon Lattimore injury settlement will be a critical component of their offseason strategy and cap management moving forward.
