ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Washington Commanders agreed to a trade with the New Orleans Saints to land Marshon Lattimore. The tide may be turning in the Nation’s Capital with new ownership, coaching, and locker room culture.
Multiple teams inquired and were trying to land the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. The Saints originally indicated that he would remain with the team despite the trade talks earlier in the season.
What the Washington Commanders Can Expect From Newly Acquired 4-Time Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore
Full trade details
Saints receive: 2025 3rd-round pick, 2025 4th-round pick, 2025 6th-round pick
We receive: CB Marshon Lattimore, 2025 5th-round pickhttps://t.co/YoSnxVhB7M— Washington Commanders (@Commanders) November 5, 2024
Needless to say, New Orleans’s plans changed as their mid-season implosion continued with the firing of their head coach and social media wars between their players. Not to mention his hamstring injury may have played a factor in the decision as well.
As of now, Washington’s passing defense is at the top of the pack in pass yards per game. The team only allows 184 passing yards per game in a pass-dominated league.
The addition of Lattimore elevates the Commanders passing defense, and it will help their third down and red zone defense. Currently, the Burgundy and Gold are sitting in first place in the NFC East at 7-2.
Here are three things that Washington can expect from their newly acquired cornerback once he heals from his hamstring injury.
Youth is Significant
Washington’s trade for Lattimore is significant because he is only 28 years old and is in his prime. Right now, the franchise is in a rebuild that has been accelerated this season by their outstanding performance thus far.
Although the 6-foot cornerback is nursing a hamstring injury, the trade will benefit the organization immediately and in the future. He has two years left on his contract which would allow the team to re-sign him when the time comes.
Lattimore can help the younger corners develop and he can play right away once he’s healthy. The Commanders can expect a cornerstone piece from this trade and they will have a corner who is still in his twenty’s who can locked down No.1 receivers.
The eight-year veteran has lined up against Mike Evans for a majority of his career and held his own consistently.
Washington = Lockdown?
The Commanders can expect to have a physical corner who will press receivers at the line of scrimmage and not get beat deep. He will fit into the team’s current scheme and provide another body to impact the line of scrimmage.
Washington’s current secondary has held up for the most part this season but can get beat deep on occasion. Lattimore will be able to help this team rely on more man-to-man coverage and he will be able to pair up against receivers in the division.
A.J. Brown, and CeeDee Lamb will have tough outings against the former New Orleans cornerback. At moment, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year has 22 solo tackles and 30 combined tackles. With the teams pass rush, he will be able to capture some interceptions this season.
During the offseason, the Commanders have brought in solid veterans that can impact the locker room. Adding the All-Pro corner will help this organization continue to build and capture a playoff berth.
Cost Effective
Landing Lattimore before Tuesday’s NFL trade will benefit the organization from a cost standpoint. Washington will only have to dish out roughly $605,000 toward the cap space for the rest of the year.
As aforementioned, the Commanders cornerback is under contract for the next two years at the cost of $36.5 million which is a steal considering the payday he was in line for before his injury. Washington will be able to solidify their secondary for the future by having the first opportunity to extend his contract.
The addition of the Pro-Bowl cornerback will entice more veterans to consider joining the franchise who has turned over a new leaf.
Main Photo Courtesy of Stephen Lew – USA Today Sports
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