The Washington Commanders have informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore that he will be released before the new league year begins on March 11, a decision sources told ESPN was expected after Lattimore suffered a season-ending injury in November. This move will free up $18.5 million in salary cap space, positioning Washington with the fifth-most available cap room in the NFL.
Roster Adjustments Amid Injuries and Contract Decisions
The Commanders are preparing to enter the free-agent market aggressively, especially looking to strengthen their cornerback position. Currently, the team has two potential starters under contract: Trey Amos, who started as a rookie prior to a leg injury in Week 10, and Mike Sainristil, a 2024 second-round draft pick who has been a regular starter for the past two seasons.
Marshon Lattimore, 29, suffered a torn ACL in his left knee in Week 9, which sidelined him for the rest of the 2025 season. Up until that injury, he had participated in every game the Commanders played.
Lattimore’s Recent Career Trajectory and Performance
The team acquired Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints at the 2024 trade deadline, surrendering three draft picks—a third, fourth, and sixth rounder—while regaining a fifth-round selection. However, Lattimore missed eight games that season due to a hamstring injury, including six with Washington, though he managed to play in all three postseason contests for the team.
Originally drafted in the first round by the Saints in 2017, Lattimore earned four Pro Bowl selections during his first five seasons. Since 2021, his career has been marred by injuries, including a lacerated kidney and broken ribs in 2022, an ankle injury in 2023, and multiple hamstring issues thereafter. He has not appeared in more than 10 games in a single season since 2021.
Off-Field Challenges Impacting the Player and Team
Off the field, Lattimore faced legal issues when he was arrested on January 7 in Lakewood, Ohio, charged with improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle. This incident adds complexity to his situation as the Commanders finalize decisions moving into the new season.
Implications for the Commanders’ Future Roster Moves
The release of Marshon Lattimore will allow the Commanders to significantly increase their financial flexibility as they target reinforcement on defense. With ample salary cap space and emerging talent like Amos and Sainristil in place, Washington appears poised to seek additions through free agency that could help stabilize their secondary. This strategic move highlights the team’s intent to rebuild and remain competitive in the coming NFL season.
