The Washington Commanders are set to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore when the new NFL league year begins on March 11, bringing an end to a tenure that never fully lived up to expectations and closing another chapter in a career that once shone at both the college and professional levels. This news was first reported by ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter.
Lattimore first rose to national prominence as a standout defensive back at Ohio State. A highly touted recruit, he quickly became one of the most dominant corners in the country. During his breakout 2016 season, Lattimore showcased his fluid coverage and ball skills, recording nine passes defended and four interceptions while consistently locking down opposing wide receivers. His performance helped the Buckeyes earn a College Football Playoff berth and cemented his status as one of the nation's top defensive prospects.
Following that season, Lattimore declared for the NFL Draft and was selected No. 11 overall in the first round by the New Orleans Saints in 2017. He made an immediate impact, starting in Week 1 and quickly establishing himself as one of the league's premier young cornerbacks. Lattimore won NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year honors after finishing with five interceptions and helping spark a Saints defensive turnaround that led to a playoff run.
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Over the next several seasons, Lattimore remained a central figure in New Orleans' secondary. Known for his physical coverage and ability to match up with top receivers, he was selected to four Pro Bowls and often drew the toughest assignments. His matchups with elite wideouts became must-watch battles, and he played a key role in several division titles and postseason appearances for the Saints.
However, injuries and inconsistency began to slow his momentum. Nagging lower-body issues limited his availability and affected his performance, and his once-dominant form became more sporadic. Lattimore was traded to the Commanders during the 2024 season, with high expectations that he could bring veteran stability and leadership to Washington's secondary.
That resurgence never fully materialized. While Lattimore showed flashes of his former ability, he struggled to stay healthy and regain the shutdown form that once defined his game, playing only 11 games across two seasons.. His release this offseason reflects both a shift in direction for the Commanders and the difficult reality that circumstances can change quickly for even the most talented players in the NFL.
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Lattimore's career remains a story of early brilliance and hard-earned respect. From dominating college receivers in Columbus to battling the NFL's best wideouts on Sundays, he leaves behind a legacy of elite seasons, postseason runs, and one of the strongest rookie campaigns by a defensive back in recent memory. As he looks toward the next phase of his career, his journey stands as a reminder of both the heights and challenges that define life in professional football.