Commanders to Release Lattimore, Free $18.5M Cap Space

The Washington Commanders are set to release veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore ahead of the new NFL league year next week, a move that will free up $18.5 million in salary cap space for the 2026 season. The decision comes after a disappointing 2025 campaign for the team and Lattimore's injury-plagued stint since joining via trade from the New Orleans Saints in November 2024.

Lattimore, who turns 30 in May, appeared in 11 games for Washington, including two regular-season contests after the trade in 2024 and nine starts in 2025 before suffering a torn anterior cruciate ligament in early November. He recorded 27 tackles, seven passes defensed and one interception during that time, according to team statistics. Opposing offenses frequently targeted him, leading to several penalties and inconsistent coverage. Prior to the ACL injury, Lattimore had dealt with a hamstring issue that limited his debut season with the Commanders.

The trade for Lattimore cost Washington a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick and a sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft. At the time, the Commanders were unexpectedly in playoff contention and hoped the former Saints star could bolster their secondary....