Early in his career, Marshon Lattimore was known as one of the best cornerbacks in the game with the New Orleans Saints. However, injuries and ineffective play have hindered him in recent years.
The Washington Commanders hope they can get the last ounce of good football out of Lattimore in 2025.
After being traded to the Commanders last season, Lattimore played in just two regular season games. While he was a key contributor during their playoff run, he was picked on a lot in the organization's 55-23 loss to the Philadelphia Eagles.
Now, Lattimore has something to prove. It's why Pro Football Focus named him a player on the hot seat and a "make or break" candidate for 2025.
"Washington's cornerbacks ranked dead last in the NFL in PFF coverage grade last season. The team traded for Marshon Lattimore during the year to help the cause, but he appeared in just five games for the Commanders due to a hamstring injury and earned a poor 40.7 PFF coverage grade," PFF wrote.
"The team needs Lattimore to return to a high level, and he needs to play better to extend his career, as he has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this season."
If Lattimore does not bounce back to his Pro Bowl self, the Commanders' defense could be in deep trouble next season. It's a very underrated problem that the organization has to keep an eye on.
Lattimore seems confident his struggles are at an end.
Time will tell if he is right.