To no surprise, Marshon Lattimore will not return to the Commanders in 2026. The veteran cornerback is set to reach free agency early. 
Lattimore will be released, the expectation of which was first reported by CBS Sports’ Matt Zenitz. Multiple reports have since confirmed that Washington has informed Lattimore of the decision to cut him. His tenure in the nation’s capital is coming to an end after only 14 combined regular and postseason games played.
An ACL tear brought Lattimore’s 2025 season to an abrupt end. Since then, many have expected a parting of ways to take place, with the former Saint having failed to meet expectations when healthy. This move will no doubt be finalized before March 15, the point at which Lattimore was due to collect a $2MM roster bonus. In the absence of guaranteed money to account for, this decision will clear $18.5MM in cap space without generating any dead money.
Ahead of the 2024 deadline, Lattimore was traded by the Saints to the Commanders. New Orleans added multiple draft picks as a result of the swap, aiding in the team’s ongoing effort to develop a new core. Washington, meanwhile, used Lattimore as a starter during the run to the NFC title game. Things did not go according to plan, though, and the four-time Pro Bowler surrendered a 93 passer rating and two touchdowns as the nearest defender this past season prior to his injury.
That regression in coverage, coupled with the fact he is recovering from the ACL tear, will no doubt hinder Lattimore’s market. He will get a head start on free agency and begin to gauge his options, but a far less lucrative pact than his 2021 extension (five years, $97MM) will be in store. Lattimore has 108 appearances – all of them starts – to his name in the NFL, so he will offer plenty of experience to his next team. Josina Anderson of The Exhibit notes the former Defensive Rookie of the Year intends to continue his career in 2026.
Washington worked out an extension agreement with guard Nick Allegretti earlier today. The team already had more 2026 cap space to work with than most others entering Monday, but moving on from Lattimore will add even further to the Commanders’ spending power. After ranking 28th against the pass last season, Washington will no doubt look to contribute free agent and draft resources to additions at the cornerback spot.
I hope the Denver Broncos sign him.
Does he have anything left? He looked cooked last year. Although, so did every Washington defender.
Why would Denver sign an oft-injured 30 year old to be their fourth best corner?
This is entirely unsurprising. He did not work out in DC at all.
It was a bad trade the moment they made it, it looked even worse when they kept dealing away draft picks, and it looked worst of all with his play this year. Terrific player when healthy and in his prime, but healthy and in his prime hasn’t been the case in a few years now.