Lattimore’s on-field impact has been limited since the trade, and questions about his health have persisted. The 29-year-old suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, compounding concerns about his durability and effectiveness. Greg Auman, a Fox Sports NFL insider, highlighted Washington’s financial incentive to part ways, noting Lattimore’s sizable cap hit and the absence of dead money in a potential release. Pro Football Focus ranked him 95th among cornerbacks last season, reinforcing the view that a change may be necessary for the Commanders.
The offseason further complicated Lattimore’s status, following an arrest in January on weapons charges in Lakewood, Ohio. Authorities indicated there was a firearm in the vehicle during the stop, and Lattimore later faced a prior gun-charge case from 2021. While the Commanders issued a cautious statement at the time, the incident added another layer to evaluating his role in Washington’s defense.
Analysts have pointed to the trade as a mulled-over misstep for the franchise in recent years. ESPN’s Seth Walder and others have identified the deal as one of the Commanders’ more troubling moves, particularly given the opportunity to shed the contract without dead money. As the team looks to overhaul its defense, Lattimore’s future with the organization remains uncertain, with potential interest from other clubs if Washington chooses to move on.
Going forward, the Commanders’ priority appears to be cap flexibility and structural changes on defense. If Lattimore is released, the team would avoid the remaining $18 million hit for 2025, while potential landing spots could include depth roles with teams seeking veteran experience at cornerback. Washington’s decision will hinge on medical evaluations, fiscal considerations, and how they value a positional rebuild this offseason.
