Commanders insider exposes unsettling truth about Marshon Lattimore’s status

All eyes will be on Marshon Lattimore when the Washington Commanders congregate for their mandatory minicamp this week. And one team insider believes his potential turnaround could make or break their chances of further success in 2025.

Lattimore caused a stir among the fan base by skipping organized team activities. It's voluntary, and it's a method he adopted with the New Orleans Saints. But after failing to meet expectations following his high-profile trade, some sections of Washington's passionate support thought it was a bad look.

The former first-round pick is getting another chance to prove his worth. Adam Peters wants to see more from the cornerback, which is entirely possible if the hamstring injury that hindered his production in 2024 is fully healed. Anything less comes with potentially grave consequences attached.

Marshon Lattimore must prove his worth to the Commanders in 2025

This was a sentiment echoed by John Keim from ESPN. The insider acknowledged that Lattimore's talent is unquestioned when fully healthy. Staying on the field was a problem last time around, but Washington's defense needs him fit and firing on all cylinders to grow in Year 2 under Joe Whitt Jr.'s guidance.

[Marshon] Lattimore has skipped the voluntary OTA sessions, something he did his last couple of years in New Orleans, as well. The key for Lattimore is staying healthy during the season and playing at a high level -- that's why Washington traded for him last season. Any questions about his durability can't be answered until the season. However, in his five games with Washington, he played to mixed results. For the Commanders to take a big step as a defense, it needs strong play from Lattimore.John Keim

Lattimore shouldn't be lacking motivation entering the season. He'll have heard the critics and wants to prove them wrong. There's also the small matter of his contract status to provide an extra sense of urgency.

The defensive back has two years remaining on his deal. Lattimore counts $18 million against the salary cap in 2025 and $18.5 million next year. He's only got $2 million guaranteed over that span. So if he wants more money or potentially another extension, the performance levels must match.

If Lattimore's regression and health issues continue, the Commanders will probably release him next spring with no dead money ramifications attached. That's a worst-case scenario Peters will be looking to avoid. But what comes next is down to the player.

Getting off to a strong start is crucial. Lattimore needs to build momentum this offseason and hit the ground running when competitive action arrives. He needs to remind the world why he was considered among the league's best cornerbacks once upon a time. He also needs to repay the faith shown in him by Peters sooner rather than later.

Time will tell if he can.

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