Jan. 31, 2026, 7:48 a.m. ET
It’s no secret that the Washington Commanders struggled on defense in 2025. That’s a big reason why the team ended with a disappointing 5-12 record, and as a result, big changes could be coming.
The team already hired Daronte Jones to be the new defensive coordinator, but the changes likely won’t stop there. This defense is too old and too slow, and it wouldn’t be surprising to see some big names get moved off the roster.
One of the veterans who could be on the chopping block is cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The Commanders acquire Lattimore at the 2024 trade deadline, but he’s never played up to expectations in Washington. The corner struggled mightily in 2025, earning a 52.1 Pro Football Focus grade, which ranked 98th out of 114 qualified corners.
Joel Corry of CBS Sports recently identified some big-name players who could be cut or traded this offseason. To nobody’s surprise, Corry named Lattimore and offered the following:
Lattimore was given the benefit of the doubt for his subpar play in 2024 because of a hamstring injury that limited him to five games, including the playoffs, after the Commanders acquired him. He never regained the form that led to four Pro Bowl berths with the Saints before tearing the ACL in his left knee nine games into the season.
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As Corry mentioned, injuries have largely been responsible for Lattimore’s disappointing tenure with the Commanders. Regardless, the team could save a ton of money by moving on from the veteran, and there’s a need to get younger and quicker anyway.
The Commanders could save over $18 million by cutting Lattimore and wouldn’t even have to take on any dead money. Because of this, Lattimore may be the most obvious cut candidate in the league.
Even if Lattimore somehow sticks around, the cornerback spot is still a big need for the team this offseason.