Commanders insider just revealed what’s really keeping Marshon Lattimore safe

The Washington Commanders were expecting much more from cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Adam Peters spent premium draft capital to acquire the four-time Pro Bowler via trade from the New Orleans Saints before the 2024 deadline, and the general manager hasn't gotten any consistent return from his significant investment.

Opposing offenses are starting to figure out what Lattimore has become. He'll have some good moments, but the defensive back is also a liability. He can get burned for huge gains downfield, and his poor technique in an attempt to compensate for diminishing athleticism results in frustrating penalties in crucial moments.

Fans are growing increasingly tired of watching Lattimore become a weak link. Head coach Dan Quinn stated that some scheme and personnel alterations would be made to turn the tide. Washington's attempt to play more zone coverage to offset his frailties speaks volumes, and more changes are now on the horizon.

Commanders still believe in Marshon Lattimore's abilities despite glaring flaws

However, one respected team insider doesn't believe Lattimore will be benched — at least, not right now.

On his podcast, John Keim from ESPN revealed that Washington still views Lattimore as one of its top cornerbacks, and they have faith he can start to turn things around. This might be frustrating for some fans, but it's also a sign that the Commanders haven't given up on their 2025 campaign yet.

Lattimore is an easy scapegoat, but for good reason. He's the marquee addition. Once upon a time, he was considered one of the league's elite lockdown coverage presences. After finally getting healthy this offseason, he was expected to lead from the front.

For the most part, it's wildly inconsistent. And there are times when the Ohio State product gets overwhelmed beyond comprehension.

If the leash isn't getting shorter on Lattimore, it should be. He's not the only defensive back underperforming in the secondary. At the same time, he's held to a much higher standard, and an offensive genius like Andy Reid will pick that apart at his convenience when Washington travels to the Kansas City Chiefs for Monday Night Football.

The Commanders' aspirations are teetering. They are 3-4 with a brutal stretch of games upcoming. Some soul-searching and major adjustments are needed. And players like Lattimore need to buckle up and display the resolve that got this squad to the NFC Championship game last season.

Anything less, and the calls to remove Lattimore from the firing line will be deafening. And there will no nobody watching his progress more than Peters.