In a stunning move just before the NFL trade deadline, the Washington Commanders acquired four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. The blockbuster deal sent shockwaves through the league and delivered an unmistakable message: the Commanders are going all-in on their pursuit of a Super Bowl title this season.
Commanders Push Their Chips to the Center of the Table
By trading for Lattimore, Washington demonstrated that they believe their championship window is wide open right now. The 27-year-old corner is widely regarded as one of the elite shutdown defenders in the NFL, boasting an impressive resume that includes four Pro Bowl selections in his first five seasons.
“We want to win, and we want to win now,” declared Commanders linebacker Bobby Wagner. “It was cool for them to do that.”
– Bobby Wagner, Washington Commanders linebacker
The price wasn’t cheap – the Commanders parted with 2025 third, fourth, and sixth-round draft picks to land Lattimore. But for a franchise that hasn’t won a playoff game since 2005, the opportunity to add an impact player of Lattimore’s caliber was simply too enticing to pass up.
Lattimore Brings Lockdown Credentials
Since entering the league as the 11th overall pick in the 2017 draft, Lattimore has established himself as one of the premier cover corners in the game. His unique blend of athleticism, instincts, and competitive fire allows him to match up with the opposition’s top receivers on a weekly basis.
- 25 career interceptions, including 5 returned for touchdowns
- 74 passes defensed
- Surrendered a stingy 50.1 passer rating when targeted in 2021
“He can take away half the field,” gushed Commanders cornerback Benjamin St-Juste, “so we can work so many different [coverages] on the other side of the field.”
– Benjamin St-Juste, Washington Commanders cornerback
Lattimore’s presence should provide a massive boost to a Washington secondary that currently ranks 18th in opposing quarterback rating and 21st in net yards allowed per pass attempt. His ability to erase top wideouts will free up the rest of the defense to be more aggressive and creative in their schemes.
The Missing Piece of a Super Bowl Puzzle?
At 7-2, the Commanders currently sit atop the highly competitive NFC East. With Lattimore in the fold, they now have the look of a complete team built to make a deep postseason run. The offense, led by resurgent quarterback Carson Wentz and dynamic playmakers like Terry McLaurin and Antonio Gibson, has shown explosive potential. And a defense anchored by Lattimore, Daron Payne, Montez Sweat, and Chase Young could be downright suffocating.
“I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t [think this pushes us closer to a Super Bowl]. They made that obvious with what they gave up to get me. I just got to do what I’ve got to do.”
– Marshon Lattimore, Washington Commanders cornerback
Of course, winning the Super Bowl is never easy, and the road through the NFC will be filled with formidable challengers. The Philadelphia Eagles look like a juggernaut, and teams like the Minnesota Vikings, Dallas Cowboys, and San Francisco 49ers all have the talent to make noise in January.
But if Lattimore can acclimate quickly and perform at his typical All-Pro level, the Commanders have to like their chances. In a league where defenses increasingly struggle to slow down high-powered passing attacks, having a true shutdown corner can be an invaluable advantage – especially under the bright lights of the postseason.
Fortune Favors the Bold
Only time will tell if the Commanders’ aggressive trade for Lattimore will pay the ultimate dividends. But in a city starved for a return to football glory, you have to admire the franchise’s willingness to push their chips into the middle of the table and bet big on their current core.
“We’re adding a real dog-ass competitor into a group of guys that like to fight and like to battle.”
– Dan Quinn, Washington Commanders coach
If Lattimore is indeed the final piece of the puzzle, the Commanders faithful may finally get to celebrate that long-awaited championship parade down Pennsylvania Avenue. In the high-stakes world of the NFL, fortune favors the bold – and it doesn’t get much bolder than trading for a talents like Marshon Lattimore in the middle of a potential Super Bowl run.
The lights are bright, the stage is set, and the Washington Commanders are all-in. Will their big gamble pay off with the ultimate prize? Buckle up and stay tuned, because the stretch run promises to be one hell of a ride.
