The Washington Commanders sent shockwaves through the NFL on Tuesday by orchestrating a blockbuster trade with the New Orleans Saints, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The move, which cost Washington three draft picks, including a third- and fourth-rounder, signals that the franchise believes its bright future is materializing faster than anticipated.
At 7-2, the Commanders sit atop the NFC East, a division loaded with offensive firepower. Securing a lockdown corner like Lattimore shores up a defense that will have to slow down the likes of A.J. Brown, CeeDee Lamb, and Malik Nabers. It’s a win-now addition for a team looking to make noise in the postseason.
Lattimore Solidifies Secondary
The 28-year-old Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, immediately becomes the Commanders’ top corner. His arrival allows promising second-year pro Benjamin St-Juste to settle into a more suitable No. 2 role, while rookie Mike Sainristil can kick inside to the slot, where his quickness and instincts are better utilized.
In Lattimore, Washington gets a proven playmaker to match up with the NFC East’s elite receivers. His ability to excel in man coverage will add versatility to coordinator Joe Whitt Jr.’s scheme.
Daniels’ Rise Changes Equation
The Commanders’ aggressiveness stems largely from the rapid ascent of rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels. The third-round pick has exceeded all expectations, even generating some MVP buzz for his poised play and dynamic ability. With a potential franchise QB on a rookie deal, the Commanders recognized a window of opportunity to bolster the roster around him.
Turning the Page
Just a year removed from trading away homegrown pass rushers Chase Young and Montez Sweat to launch a rebuilding effort, Washington is now a buyer at the deadline. It’s a remarkable shift for an organization that had languished for decades under prior ownership and management.
The Lattimore trade symbolizes the transformation taking place in D.C. Players are excited, fans are energized, and the team is winning. It’s a convergence the franchise hasn’t enjoyed in a long time.
Building Through the Draft
While the Commanders paid a steep price for Lattimore, they managed to retain seven picks in the upcoming draft, including a third-rounder acquired from the Eagles. It aligns with GM Adam Peters’ stated approach of building through the draft and patching holes in free agency.
Even after absorbing Lattimore’s contract, the Commanders still project to have nearly $100 million in cap space next offseason. They can create even more flexibility by moving on from expensive veterans like injured DT Jonathan Allen. It puts them in prime position to re-sign key players and aggressively plug remaining holes.
Health is Wealth
As with any trade, there are risks. Lattimore has struggled to stay healthy in recent years, missing a combined 19 games over the past three seasons. For the deal to truly pay dividends, Washington will need the star corner on the field making an impact when it matters most.
Still, it’s hard not to applaud the Commanders for their conviction. A year ago, they were staring down a long rebuild laced with uncertainty. Now, they’ve positioned themselves as a legitimate contender with a young core and ample resources to keep trending upward. In D.C., the future may have arrived ahead of schedule.
