The Washington Commanders made a significant move ahead of the NFL trade deadline by acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
As part of the deal, the Commanders will receive Lattimore and a fifth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, while sending third, fourth, and sixth-round picks in the same draft to the Saints. The trade will be finalized pending Lattimore’s physical examination.
The Commanders have emerged as one of the biggest success stories of the 2024 NFL season. After failing to reach the playoffs for three straight years and making just one postseason appearance in the past eight seasons, Washington now holds an impressive 7-2 record. This resurgence is powered by standout performances from rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels and strategic guidance from new head coach Dan Quinn.
Despite their strong start, Washington recognized the need to bolster their cornerback depth for a potential deep playoff run. Adding Lattimore provides them not only with that depth but also a proven playmaker capable of defending the league’s top wide receivers.
For the Saints, this move marks their second major decision of the week, following the dismissal of head coach Dennis Allen. Although Lattimore has been one of their top players, the team chose to prioritize salary cap space and accumulate draft picks as they gear up for a rebuild.
Marshon Lattimore entered the NFL as the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, earning Defensive Rookie of the Year honors and a Pro Bowl selection in his debut season. He went on to secure Pro Bowl appearances in three consecutive seasons from 2019 to 2021.
However, Lattimore’s impact has waned in recent years due to injuries. He missed a total of 19 games over the 2022 and 2023 seasons and was sidelined for two games this season with a hamstring issue, although he contributed with 30 tackles and two passes defended in the seven games he played.
