The stakes have been raised for the Washington Commanders in 2025. No longer is this once-downtrodden franchise expected to be languishing among the bottom feeders. Fans and analysts are anticipating another deep postseason run in the second year under Dan Quinn's leadership.
Whether the Commanders have enough to achieve this feat is debatable. Adam Peters made some aggressive moves over his second recruitment period. The squad appears stronger on paper, but some potential flaws could hold them back if an injury or two were to affect the roster.
Washington's schedule is tougher. There is a lot of travel and no routine after being given so many standalone games. This is the price of success, so it must be navigated effectively if the Commanders want to stand any chance of dethroning the Philadelphia Eagles.
Hopes are high among the fan base. But for some in the locker room, there is an enormous amount at stake. Their performances will determine their future in Washington beyond the current campaign, and things could go either way.
Let's take a look at seven Commanders players with everything on the line in 2025. We'll start with four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Commanders players with everything on the line in 2025
Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB
The Washington Commanders' first big swing for the fences under general manager Adam Peters was their trade for Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. This confirmed that everyone should start taking this ambitious project seriously, but a frustrating hamstring issue meant he never met expectations.
Lattimore's fighting spirit deserves credit. He wanted to help despite being nowhere near 100 percent. It didn't pay off, but things look a lot more promising after a full offseason to heal.
The former Ohio State standout showed up to Washington's 2025 preparations looking like a different player. He was fast, explosive, and the quick-twitch agility had returned. Lattimore's swagger also came back, with the veteran sending out a warning that he felt like his old self after a frustrating few months.
This could be the biggest X-factor within the Commanders this season. If Lattimore can stay healthy for the entire campaign and return to his shutdown-caliber status, that'll change everything for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. Considering the club also has Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene, the cornerback unit could be a major strength if everyone gets a clear run of good fortune on the injury front.
If not, Lattimore is a potential cut candidate next spring with savings of $18 million attached.