Marshon Lattimore’s stint with the Washington Commanders is about to conclude as the team prepares to release the cornerback following persistent injury challenges. The move was reported on Monday by NFL Media’s Ian Rapoport and previously anticipated by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz ahead of the new NFL league year.
Details of Lattimore’s Tenure and Injuries in Washington
Lattimore joined the Commanders during a midseason trade in 2024 but appeared in only five games due to a hamstring injury. In the 2025 season, he returned to start nine games before suffering an ACL tear in early November, significantly limiting his contributions.
Background on the Trade and Draft Picks
The Commanders acquired Lattimore along with a fifth-round pick from the New Orleans Saints, sending back three draft selections in the 2025 NFL Draft: third, fourth, and sixth-round picks. The Saints utilized these to select safety Jonas Sanker, cornerback Quincy Riley, and running back Devin Neal in the previous draft cycle.
Performance Summary and Financial Impact of Release
During his time with Washington, Lattimore recorded 31 tackles, one interception, and one fumble recovery. Despite missing substantial time with the Saints in 2022 and 2023, he earned four Pro Bowl honors in his first five seasons in New Orleans. The Commanders’ release of Lattimore will remove his $18.5 million salary cap hit from the team’s financial obligations once finalized.
Implications for the Commanders and Next Steps
Letting go of Lattimore marks a significant roster adjustment for the Commanders as they navigate injury setbacks and salary cap concerns. Moving forward, the team is likely to seek healthier, more reliable options to strengthen their defensive backfield.
“The Commanders have informed Lattimore that they are going to release him.” – Ian Rapoport, NFL Media
“The Commanders were expected to make the move heading into the new league year.” – Matt Zenitz, CBS Sports
The #Commanders are currently expected to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore, sources tell @CBSSports.
The former first-round pick made nine starts for Washington this past season. pic.twitter.com/WAZ7SUHl7d
— Matt Zenitz (@mzenitz) March 2, 2026
