To no surprise, Marshon Lattimore is not going to return to the Commanders in 2026. The veteran cornerback is about to succeed in free agency early.
Lattimore will likely be released, the expectation of which was first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Multiple reports have since confirmed that Washington has informed Lattimore of the choice to chop him. His tenure within the nation’s capital is coming to an end after only 14 combined regular and postseason games played.
An ACL tear brought Lattimore’s 2025 season to an abrupt end. Since then, many have expected a parting of how to happen, with the previous Saint having failed to fulfill expectations when healthy. This move will little question be finalized before March 15, the purpose at which Lattimore was resulting from collect a $2MM roster bonus. Within the absence of guaranteed money to account for, this decision will clear $18.5MM in cap space without generating any dead money.
Ahead of the 2024 deadline, Lattimore was traded by the Saints to the Commanders. Latest Orleans added multiple draft picks because of this of the swap, aiding within the team’s ongoing effort to develop a brand new core. Washington, meanwhile, used Lattimore as a starter through the run to the NFC title game. Things didn’t go in response to plan, though, and the three-time Pro Bowler surrendered a 93 passer rating and two touchdowns as the closest defender this past season prior to his injury.
That regression in coverage, coupled with the very fact he’s recovering from the ACL tear, will little question hinder Lattimore’s market. He’ll get a head start on free agency and start to gauge his options, but a far less lucrative pact than his 2021 extension (five years, $97MM) will likely be in store. Lattimore has 108 appearances – all of them starts – to his name within the NFL, so he’ll offer loads of experience to his next team.
Washington worked out an extension agreement with guard Nick Allegretti earlier today. The team already had more 2026 cap space to work with than most others entering Monday, but moving on from Lattimore will add even further to the Commanders’ spending power. After rating twenty eighth against the pass last season, Washington will little question look to contribute free agent and draft resources to additions on the cornerback spot.