Commanders to release 4-time Pro Bowler ahead of free agency

In the least shocking move of the offseason, the Washington Commanders have informed veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore they plan to release him before the start of the new NFL league year, which begins next week, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

The Commanders will save $18.5 in salary cap space for 2026, pushing them to around $90 million ahead of free agency.

Lattimore, who turns 30 in May, was acquired from the New Orleans Saints for multiple draft picks at the 2024 NFL trade deadline when Washington was surprisingly in playoff contention. Lattimore was dealing with a hamstring injury at the time of the trade and played only two regular-season games after the trade. He did play in the postseason and struggled at times, but the Commanders believed a healthy offseason would allow him to return to his previous form when he was a four-time Pro Bowl selection.

It didn't happen. Lattimore started the first nine games of the 2025 season before tearing his ACL and going on injured reserve. He recorded 27 tackles, seven passes defensed and one interception. He was often targeted by opposing teams and struggled with penalties.

Commanders have informed former Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team $18.5 million in salary cap space, per sources. pic.twitter.com/KNDe1botDA

— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2026

Complicating matters, Lattimore was arrested near his hometown in Cleveland for charges of carrying a concealed weapon and improper handling of a firearm in a motor vehicle. Regardless of the arrest, Washington planned to move on from Lattimore.

With Lattimore's expected release, the Commanders will need another starting cornerback to play opposite Trey Amos outside if Mike Sainristil returns to playing the slot. The good news for Washington is that it has plenty of available cap space.

The Lattimore trade proved to be an expensive mistake for Washington in terms of draft compensation.

This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Washington Commanders: Marshon Lattimore to be released