Breaking News: Commanders land a four-time Pro Bowler in a bargain trade

On Tuesday, November 5, the Washington Commanders traded with the New Orleans Saints to acquire four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore for a discount price.

According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, the Commanders paid a premium for third, fourth, and sixth-round picks in the 2025 NFL draft, but they still got a good bargain. Schefter also stated that the Saints “previously restructured Marshon Lattimore’s contract, meaning Washington is getting the Pro Bowler on a minimum contract for the rest of this season.”

This agreement resolves one of the most serious issues for the 7-2 Commanders. There is a shortage of quality veterans in the secondary, notably at cornerback.

Lattimore, a popular name in pre-deadline trade proposals, meets those criteria. His entrance could cause problems for an incumbent like Benjamin St. Juste. As well as 2023 draft flop Emmanuel Forbes Jr.

Marshon Lattimore Trade Answers Big Problem for Commanders

General manager Adam Peters should be commended for aggressively chasing one of the biggest names in the trade business. Especially when Lattimore, once fully recovered, can give the solutions Washington’s defense has been looking for at cornerback.

At his best, the 28-year-old can match up well with an opponent’s best wide receiver. A defensive back who can survive on an island in single coverage is a clear advantage for a side that prefers to send pressure in waves.

The Commanders qualified with a blitz percentage of 28.9. That is the ninth-highest in the league, according to Pro Football Reference.

Dan Quinn, the head coach, and Joe Whitt Jr., the defensive coordinator, have been risking the blitz while dealing with subpar back-end talent. As a result, the Commanders have allowed 14 touchdown passes and 21 completions of 20 yards or more in the air.

Lattimore can alter the story. Particularly in tandem with outstanding youngster Mike Sainristil, this year’s second-round choice who has been receiving strong grades in recent weeks, according to PFF WAS Commanders.

Sainristil and Lattimore will provide the Commanders with the resources they require to carry out their attacking strategies. The initial modest cost of this move will also ensure that Peters has the resources to continue adding players next year.

Commanders Rebuilding Smartly

Over The Cap projects a 2025 salary cap haul of $121,450,047, putting the Commanders in a solid position going forward. Peters may still increase the cap amount by dropping Forbes, the 16th pick a year ago who has struggled since entering the pros.

Forbes was a healthy scratch in Week 6 against the Baltimore Ravens. His fellow first-round washout, linebacker Jamin Davis, was previously dismissed.

Peters has been ruthless and decisive about purging the roster he inherited from the regime fronted by former head coach Ron Rivera. So far, the changes have worked, largely thanks to the instant dominance of rookie sensation Jayden Daniels at quarterback.

Daniels has the Commanders at 7-2 and primed for the playoffs. He’ll need the support of a better defense if the Commanders are going to go far, and Lattimore will help once he’s up to full speed.

Beyond this season, Peters must continue to build talent around Daniels on both sides of the ball. Fortunately, there is enough room under the cap and on the pay cost to add another quality corner.