“What type of a deal does it look like the Commanders made for Marshon Lattimore?”
“Grant and Danny” of 106.7 The Fan in Washington, D.C., took a segment earlier in the week to discuss the Washington Commanders‘ trade for Lattimore last season, and some are not pleased with the show hosts. The YouTube comments section reveals several have voiced their frustration and that they are upset with Paulsen and Rouhier, accusing them of trashing the organization, always being negative, etc.
Having been raised in the DMV, I can agree with the sentiment that the local fan base does not want those in the local sports media (print, radio or television) who are always negative and criticizing the local team. I can think of a few over the years who did just that, and it became their schtick. That is, they weren’t from the area originally, were hired by a local company and loved to get under the skin of the fan base.
However, that is certainly not the case with Paulsen and Rouhier. These two guys have more than proven they want the local teams to succeed. They are unashamed to admit, they gladly root for the local teams and enjoy doing so.
So, what exactly were Grant & Danny conveying that upset fans regarding the Marshon Lattimore trade?
The Baltimore Ravens signed former Packers corner Jaire Alexander, whom the Packers had released. The Ravens only had to pay him $6M for the 2025 season. Paulsen began the entire segment by stating this was a smart, savvy deal by the Ravens.
Paulsen then understandably compared the two acquisitions, conveying that both Lattimore and Alexander had been very successful corners who were also battling injuries last season. The Ravens patiently waited and obtained Alexander while his stock was down. The Commanders, on the other hand, insisted on purchasing Lattimore midseason in 2024 and paid much more. Had they made the trade this offseason, they certainly would not have needed to spend third, fourth, and sixth-round selections in the 2025 draft.
In addition, Paulsen and Rouhier then added that though the Ravens are paying Alexander only $6M, the Commanders are signing checks for $18M to Lattimore. Of course, they both said they would rather have Alexander and his contract.
What do you expect them to say? Do you want them to sell their souls the way so many in the print and television media do today, masquerading as “journalists,” but always spinning a story, ignoring stories in whatever way they can to help their political allegiances?
Of course, Paulsen and Rouhier want the Commanders to win big in 2025. They want Marshon Lattimore to have a great season wearing burgundy and gold. They are not rooting against Lattimore, nor are they rooting against GM Adam Peters, because of this trade. They are saying the trade “thus far” does not look good.
Yet, they have a job to do, and that is to be prepared daily to present to their listeners quality programming. Shouldn’t such programming involve thought-provoking content? Do we in the DMV want all Commanders media personalities to be merely cheerleaders? Don’t you want them to do some actual reporting, analyzing and critiquing from time to time?
It was a good segment. Although it obviously did not please some in the fan base, it was good radio and good commentary, as valid concerns were raised.
There are some of us who recognize that the DMV programs should bring honesty to their broadcasts, which will naturally result in times of praise and cheer, along with times of concern and questions.Good job, Grant & Danny.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: A new signing has radio hosts looking back on Commanders trade