Star Corner Lattimore Traded to Washington With a Chance At a Playoff Run

The Saints have traded cornerback Marshon Lattimore, along with a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, to the Washington Commanders ahead of Tuesday's 4 p.m. ET deadline. In return, they received a third-, fourth-, and sixth-round pick in the upcoming draft.

Once hailed as one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL, Lattimore, drafted 11th overall in 2017, quickly made his mark by earning the Defensive Rookie of the Year award. He was selected to the Pro Bowl in his debut season and continued to shine with three consecutive Pro Bowl appearances from 2019 to 2021. His remarkable performance earned him a hefty five-year, $97.6 million contract extension from the Saints. As the trade deadline approached, Lattimore's name circulated in various trade rumors, marking him as one of the few veterans the struggling New Orleans franchise could afford to part with. However, a lingering hamstring injury has sidelined him for two games this season, including the Week 9 loss to the Carolina Panthers.

Throughout his career, Lattimore has amassed impressive statistics: 405 total tackles, 88 passes defended, and 15 interceptions. His arrival is expected to bolster a Commanders defense that currently ranks fifth in the league, allowing an average of just 183.3 passing yards per game.

With their season in jeopardy following a disheartening seven-game losing streak, it was only fitting for the Saints to offload at least one veteran on deadline day. Securing a third-round pick along with additional selections for a seasoned cornerback constitutes a favorable return for a New Orleans team that is desperate for low-cost assets as it embarks on its rebuilding journey. For Washington, they get a veteran corner who plays with a high level of competitiveness to pair with elite talent. Lattimore has made a name for himself by facing Julio Jones and Mike Evans twice a year when he was coming up in the NFC South. He’s been more than battle-tested over the years, and if he stays healthy, this move dramatically improves the Commanders' defense, who were desperately in need of a corner. It’s a justified move for all parties, with everyone ultimately getting a fair shake in the deal. The only thing left to see is how well Lattimore fits in with Washington, and what he can bring to this up-and-coming franchise.