The Washington Commanders are officially moving on from cornerback Marshon Lattimore, releasing him ahead of the new league year. The move clears $18.5 million in cap space with no dead money attached, a clean financial exit from a trade that cost the franchise three draft picks.
Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl selection who was once regarded as one of the better cover corners in the league, spent parts of two seasons in Washington without ever finding his footing. Between injuries and off-field trouble, the Commanders got very little return on a significant investment.
His $16.5 million salary for 2026 was not guaranteed, which made the release straightforward. NFL reporter Evan Sidery reported the news on social media, confirming Washington will part ways with Lattimore before the 2026 league year begins.
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Dec 23, 2018; New Orleans, LA, USA; Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches a touchdown while defended by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the second half at the Mercedes-Benz Superdome. The Saints won, 31-28. Mandatory Credit: Chuck Cook-USA TODAY Sports
The Commanders will release Marshon Lattimore ahead of the new league year, which clears an additional $18.5 million in cap space.
Washington traded three 2025 draft picks to the Saints last year for Lattimore. pic.twitter.com/V4cU0SlAtd
— Evan Sidery (@esidery) February 19, 2026
Washington Sent Three Draft Picks for a Player Who Played Just Eleven Games
General manager Adam Peters made the move in November 2024, sending a third, fourth, and sixth-round pick in the 2025 draft to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Lattimore and a fifth-round selection. At the time, Washington was pushing for a Super Bowl run after reaching the NFC Championship Game.
It did not work out that way. Lattimore played only two games in 2024 due to injury. He returned in 2025 but tore his ACL in Week 9 against the Seattle Seahawks, ending his season early.
Across 11 games total as a Commander, Lattimore recorded 31 tackles, one interception, and 10 passes defensed. His overall PFF grade in 2025 ranked 96th out of 114 qualifying cornerbacks.
Washington’s defense finished dead last in the NFL in 2025, allowing 384 yards per game. The team went 5-12.
Commanders analyst Ivan Lambert, speaking via Riggo’s Rag, did not hold back: “Hands down, the worst disappointment for GM Adam Peters. Lattimore was done. He was terrible; he was, in fact, a liability. Forget about the gun charges last week. Lattimore was never going to be brought back for 2026.”
An Arrest in January Added Another Layer to an Already Complicated Situation
Dallas Cowboys, George Pickens, NFL
Oct 19, 2025; Arlington, Texas, USA; Dallas Cowboys wide receiver George Pickens (3) makes a reception defended by Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore (2) during the second quarter of the game at AT&T Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Kevin Jairaj-Imagn Images
Lattimore was arrested in Lakewood, Ohio on January 7, 2026, on charges of carrying a concealed weapon. A Glock 45 was found in the glove box during a traffic stop. The Commanders acknowledged the arrest and said they were gathering more information, but offered no further public comment.
A team spokesperson confirmed at the time that the NFL League Office had been notified. His release was widely expected before the arrest, but the off-field incident accelerated an already decided outcome.
Washington now carries approximately $66.5 million in projected cap space entering free agency, which opens March 11. The Lattimore addition brings that figure up meaningfully. New defensive coordinator Daronte Jones, hired from the Minnesota Vikings, inherits a secondary that needs real rebuilding.
The Commanders hold a top-five pick in the 2026 draft as well. Whether Peters spends aggressively in free agency or leans on the draft, the Lattimore chapter is firmly closed.