Marshon Lattimore
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Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
The Washington Commanders made their decision to part ways with 4-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore official on Friday in a move that opens up $18.5 million in salary cap space and closes the door on 1 of the worst trades in franchise history.
From the Commanders’ official X account: “We have released CB Marshon Lattimore.”
While the move only became official on Friday, the plan for the Commanders to rid themselves of Lattimore and his contract had been in the works for quite some time.
“The Commanders will release Marshon Lattimore ahead of the new league year, which clears an additional $18.5 million in cap space,” NFL reporter Evan Sidery wrote on X on February 16. “Washington traded three 2025 draft picks to the Saints last year for Lattimore.”
The Commanders conveyed their intent to Lattimore on Monday.
NFL free agency opens officially on March 9.
“Commanders have informed former Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team $18.5 million in salary cap space, per sources,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter wrote on his official X account on Monday.
No Dead Cap Hit for Commanders After Release
Lattimore still had 1 year remaining on the 5-year, $97.6 million contract extension he signed with the New Orleans Saints in September 2021. The Commanders won’t incur any dead cap hit after releasing Lattimore, who had already been paid all the guaranteed money in his contract.
The No. 11 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, Lattimore has approximately $104.7 million in career earnings through the end of the 2025 season.
“The 5-time Pro Bowl defensive back, who will play next season at 30 years old, will become an unrestricted free agent next month and can sign with any team interested,” Heavy’s Max Dible wrote in February.