The Washington Commanders informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore on Monday that they intend to release him before the NFL league year begins on March 11. This decision will leave Lattimore as a free agent heading into the upcoming offseason, providing an opportunity for a new team to sign him.
Financial Impact and Injury History
With Lattimore’s release, the Commanders will free up $18.5 million in salary cap space, a significant financial relief for the team. Lattimore suffered a season-ending torn ACL in November 2023. In the previous season, after being traded to Washington mid-season, he missed several games due to a hamstring injury, appearing in only 11 contests overall.
Career Highlights and Recent Challenges
The 29-year-old defensive back was selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft by the New Orleans Saints and earned four Pro Bowl selections during his tenure there. However, since his last Pro Bowl season in 2021, injuries have consistently hampered his performance and availability on the field. The upcoming offseason will reveal which team might offer Lattimore a fresh opportunity starting in 2026.
Legal Issue Adds to Uncertainty
Adding to the complexities surrounding Lattimore’s future, he was arrested on January 7 in Lakewood, Ohio, on a potential charge of carrying a concealed weapon, according to reports from ESPN. This incident may influence how teams evaluate signing him as a free agent.
Implications for the Commanders and Marshon Lattimore
The release of Marshon Lattimore marks a pivotal moment for the Commanders as they work to manage their cap space and roster moving forward. For Lattimore, this juncture presents both a challenge and an opportunity to regain stability and prove his value in the NFL once again after injury setbacks and off-field issues.
“The Commanders told cornerback Marshon Lattimore on Monday that the team plans to release him ahead of the start of the league year on March 11.” – Adam Schefter, ESPN
Commanders have informed former Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team $18.5 million in salary cap space, per sources. pic.twitter.com/KNDe1botDA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2026
