The Commanders have succeeded in their pursuit of Marshon Lattimore, with an agreement now finalized to bring the veteran cornerback from New Orleans to Washington, as first reported by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport. The deal is officially complete.
The Saints had initially set their asking price at a Day 2 pick in the 2025 draft, according to Dianna Russini of The Athletic. Both sides have now agreed on those terms, meaning Lattimore will leave New Orleans for the first time in his career. A four-time Pro Bowler, he has spent more than seven seasons with the Saints.
Lattimore is slated to make his return to the Superdome on December 15, when Washington faces New Orleans.
Here are the full trade details, provided by veteran insider Josina Anderson and ESPN’s Adam Schefter:
Commanders receive:
Lattimore
Fifth-round pick
Saints receive:
Third-round pick
Fourth-round pick
New Orleans’ original sixth-rounder (swapped in the John Ridgeway trade)
According to Tom Pelissero, all picks in this trade will be for the 2025 draft. The Saints will aim to replenish their roster this spring, potentially targeting cornerback among other positions. Lattimore has been a full-time starter during his time with the Saints, but with Paulson Adebo out for the year due to a broken leg and pending free agency, New Orleans could see a shakeup in the secondary.
Reports earlier today indicated that discussions around Lattimore were intensifying, with several teams showing interest. Among them were the Commanders, who likely felt encouraged by their unexpectedly strong start to the 2024 season. Leading the NFC East at 7-2, Washington’s defense could benefit from added strength in the secondary as they push for a home playoff game. Lattimore’s acquisition won’t be a mere rental.
The former Defensive Player of the Year restructured his contract with New Orleans this past offseason, something the Saints have often done due to cap challenges. He has a manageable $1.21 million remaining in base salary for this season, which is well within the Commanders’ budget. However, he’s slated to earn $36.5 million combined over the 2025 and ’26 seasons, primarily through non-guaranteed base salaries and smaller option bonuses. This structure will likely prompt contract adjustments in Washington, either now or after the season.
For now, Lattimore joins the Commanders as an impactful addition to a secondary that has shown room for growth, especially given last year’s first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes hasn’t met expectations. Forbes’ availability is reportedly being discussed ahead of today’s trade deadline. Regardless, Lattimore’s arrival will give Washington another option alongside Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Mike Sainristil.
Despite ranking fifth against the pass this season, Washington’s defense has been more average in overall and scoring metrics, recording only three interceptions. Lattimore’s own interception count is low, with just two since 2022, but his history of strong playmaking could be an asset.
As part of their search for a starting-caliber cornerback, the Commanders also inquired about D.J. Reed of the Jets, according to Russini. Unsurprisingly, New York declined to entertain offers for Reed, given their own playoff aspirations. Nonetheless, Washington’s persistence has resulted in a high-profile addition that could help sustain their strong standing in the NFC through the season’s second half.
