Marshon Lattimore – Trade brings the Commanders closer to the Super Bowl

ASHBURN, Va. – Washington Commanders players received a clear message from the front office after acquiring cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.

“We want to win, and we want to win now,” said linebacker Bobby Wagner. “It was cool for her to do that.”

The Commanders (7-2) traded three picks to New Orleans – 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks – to get Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick. He immediately improves a defense that ranks 18th in opposing quarterback rating and 21st in net yards per pass attempt.

Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl player, said his arrival brings Washington closer to its goal of contending for the Super Bowl.

“Absolutely,” he said. “I wouldn't be here if I hadn't done it. They made that clear by pointing out what they gave up to get me. I just have to do what I have to do.”

Which, he said, meant, “Go out there and do everything I can for the team, just be a dog.”

Lattimore was unable to practice on Wednesday because of a hamstring injury that sidelined him for New Orleans' loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It's uncertain when he'll practice, let alone whether he'll play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2).

But the Commanders will be cautious with Lattimore and want him to stay healthy for the rest of the season.

Lattimore gives Washington a true No. 1 corner that it has been missing for years. The organization's last Pro Bowl corner was DeAngelo Hall in 2010. The last corner with multiple Pro Bowl appearances was Champ Bailey from 2000 to 2003.

Washington can now mix and match its other corners. The Commanders have Benjamin St-Juste, who adds length at 6-foot-3; Mike Sainristil, who was drafted as a slot corner but moved outside out of necessity; and Noah Igbinoghene.

“He can take away half the field,” St-Juste said of Lattimore, “so we can get so many different coverages on the other side of the field.”

St-Juste echoed Wagner's sentiments.

“It shows that they have confidence in us and that we can go far this season,” said St-Juste.

Washington general manager Adam Peters said he and other members of the front office have been talking to multiple teams about different players for some time. The commanders particularly wanted a corner. They also did their homework on Lattimore, but Peters said they didn't believe he was available until late in the process.

And while Peters wants to develop through the draft, he didn't mind giving up the picks since they started the day with nine and still had seven. Washington still has a third-round pick it acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in August for receiver Jahan Dotson. Peters also said the Commanders have been weighing what might be available in free agency and the draft — and that they may also need to find another cornerback in the offseason.

But they had no problem giving up what they had done for a player of Lattimore's caliber.

“He fits into any defense,” Peters said. “So whatever we play – zone or man – he will be able to do it all. He's a really, really smart player. He's a really instinctive player. He is physical, and these are things we are looking for.”

Washington coach Dan Quinn said he has watched Lattimore cover top receivers in the past and said he will make it difficult for the top wideouts on contested catches.

Quinn also told a reporter, “They're on the right track,” when asked if Lattimore's presence adds to what they can call a defensive player.

“Not everyone can play in different spots against different players, on the left side or the right side of the slot,” Quinn said. “You have to be smart to be able to do that. And he has demonstrated throughout his career the ability to move inside and out and stay in touch with receivers. He’s a good tackler, so we’re excited to have him here.”

“We’re adding a real dogs-ass competitor to a group of guys who love to fight and love to fight.”