$97 million Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be a cut candidate after the Commanders conclude the postseason. According to some reports, many believe Washington could release Lattimore despite trading for him this past midseason to improve their secondary unit. Originally selected in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Ohio State product became one of the best cornerbacks in the league, recording 15 interceptions, five fumble recoveries, two touchdowns and 409 total tackles. The Saints said enough was enough and dealt him to the Commanders in a trade since the team was not anywhere close to being a contender in the playoffs this year.
It was the right move for both parties, especially how Lattimore is turning out in Washington. The Commanders are still rebuilding a new culture and have made a ton of progress since Josh Harris took over as owner. However, the team might look bright for now since they’ve made it to the NFC Championship team, but the roster must think about the longevity. This could mean parting ways with the four-time Pro Bowler might be best for both sides since they’ll likely draft a new cornerback.
After releasing Emmanuel Forbes, the team should be in the market for a healthier cornerback. Benjamin St-Juste is looking like the long-term fixture for the pass defense but he’s going to need a veteran who could last more than a full season. Lattimore is not hurt by any means but injuries always tend to happen at the wrong moments
$97 Million Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore Could Be Shocking Cut Candidate – May Join Chargers, Ravens, Chiefs
Huge Payday Incoming?
The Los Angeles Chargers had the best season this past 2024 campaign in a long time. They have the bright spots to win a championship but the roster wasn’t enough since they were a wild card exit. However, the team’s pass secondary will look different next season since cornerbacks like Kristian Fulton might leave in free agency. Tarheeb Still had his moments but he’s still filling in as a potential starter so the Chargers will need to make a few free-agent acquisitions.
The team had to last without Marcus Maye, Ja’Sir Taylor and Elijah Molden for the rest of the season and they needed more bodies in their secondary unit. Cam Hart isn’t a long-term fix since it’s going to be his second year next season, so they should sign a veteran like Lattimore to add some talent.
Strengthening the Ravens
Brandon Stephens is probably the worst cornerback in this secondary unit while they had to make some adjustments to the pass defense. Head Coach John Harbaugh is no stranger to making changes, benching Kyle Hamilton in favor of Ar’Darius Washington. Marlon Humphrey is the latest Raven to be in a few rumors he may leave so assuming he isn’t in Baltimore, the team must do what they can to sign a veteran acquisition themselves too. Marshon Lattimore might be a risk but with how it’s turning out in Washington, it’s worth seeing how he fits into a consistent playoff team.
Financial Creativity
Meanwhile, the Chiefs will need to get creative about their spending this off-season. Unfortunately, they’re going to lose several stars in the making, including safety Justin Reid in the free-agent market. Trent McDuffie is showing everyone why he could be the next L’Jarius Sneed but if the Chiefs want to see long-term progress, they should continue to salvage the secondary. Steven Nelson is nothing but a short-term investment but Marshon Lattimore could last longer in this unit alongside McDuffie as a veteran mentor.