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.
Little Value for Marshon Lattimore in Trade
For Lattimore, the Commanders gave up their 2025 3rd round pick, 2025 4th round pick and 2025 6th round pick. In return, Lattimore played in 11 out of 25 possible regular-season games with just 1 interception and was paid approximately $18.6 million — he suffered a season-ending torn ACL in Week 9 against the Super Bowl champion Seattle Seahawks.
He’s also come with some off-field headaches recently. Lattimore was arrested on January 7 in Lakewood, Ohio, on weapons charges.
“(Lattimore) was arrested last night outside of Cleveland on charges of carrying a concealed weapon and improperly handling a firearm in a motor vehicle,” 7 News DC’s Scott Abraham wrote on his official X account along with a picture of Lattimore’s mug shot. ” … According to the Lakewood police department, Marshon was a passenger in a vehicle stopped for expired plates and other traffic violations. During the stop, Marshon did not tell the officer that there was a firearm in the vehicle when asked.”
It’s not the first time Lattimore has been arrested on gun charges.
In March 2021, Lattimore was arrested in Ohio on felony charges of being in possession of a gun which had been reported stolen.
Lattimore eventually pled guilty to a misdemeanor charge of failing to inform police he was in possession of a concealed handgun and fined $1,000 after it was later discovered Lattimore had a concealed weapon permit.
Commanders Officially Part Ways With $97 Million Pro Bowler