Announcement: Commanders aggressively closing in on deal with $97.6 million Cornerback to give their playoff aspirations another shot amid NFL deadline hype

Adam Peters has an interesting couple of hours ahead.

The Washington Commanders are in a position to enhance their roster as the NFL trade deadline approaches, specifically targeting New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a 4-time Pro Bowler. With the Saints struggling at 2-7 and Lattimore sidelined, he could become available. Acquiring Lattimore would bolster the Commanders’ chances at a Super Bowl run, given their strong 7-2 start. Although there are financial considerations, Lattimore’s low 2024 salary makes a trade feasible for the Commanders.

By the Numbers

Lattimore signed a five-year, $97.6 million contract extension in September 2021.

He has 15 career interceptions in 7 seasons, with a career-high of 5 in 2017.

State of Play

The Commanders are 7-2, their best start since 1996, raising their aspirations for this season.

The Saints are reportedly looking to sell assets ahead of the trade deadline.

Commanders could tempt Saints into Marshon Lattimore trade

Jordan Schultz from FOX Sports revealed that the Saints have received inquiries about stud cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The insider added that a New Orleans loss at the Carolina Panthers, which occurred in surprising circumstances, could result in the organization being more receptive to offers before the November 5 cut-off point.

Much will depend on the compensation involved, but this would be a tremendous addition to the Commanders. It also makes a ton of sense with the Saints going nowhere fast and embarking on more salary-cap hell during the 2025 offseason for good measure.

 

Washington has no such concerns. They have the financial resources to absorb the final two years of his deal – of which there is no more guaranteed salary. Peters also has a wealth of draft assets to make New Orleans an enticing offer to assist with the team’s upcoming rebuild.

At 28 years old, Lattimore represents a long-term investment in keeping with Peters’ strategy for the franchise. He’s a shutdown presence when fit and firing on all cylinders. Staying healthy can be an issue, but this is a risk well worth taking if the price is right.

 

Adding Lattimore to this cornerback room would be incredible. Benjamin St-Juste remains a penalty waiting to happen. Mike Sainristil continues to show promise in Year 1 of his professional career, but this won’t be enough if the Commanders want to make noise in the postseason.

 

Whether it’s Lattimore or someone else, the Commanders need another capable body. Someone capable of fitting into the team’s outstanding culture shift and the experience to slot into the scheme immediately.

Lattimore’s skill set isn’t scheme-dependent. Peters will examine the risk versus reward and do what’s best for the team. But with changing expectations should come a slightly altered mindset.

 

After all, it’s been a long time since the Commanders had a chance like this.