Everyone knows which Commanders star must silence the doubters in 2025

The Washington Commanders have several key pieces this season who will be playing with a chip on their shoulder. One stands out arguably above all else.

Running back Brian Robinson Jr.'s lead status has suddenly been called into question as rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt dominates the offseason buzz. Wide receiver Deebo Samuel Sr. will need to bounce back from a disappointing 2024 in his new colors. Laremy Tunsil is being counted on to bring marked improvement to an offensive line that has struggled in recent years. And how will Daron Payne respond to being separated from his long-time defensive line partner, Jonathan Allen?

However, the player with the most to prove is the one whom the Commanders made a major investment in midway through last season. He has thus far left Washington with more questions than answers.

Marshon Lattimore facing a make-or-break second season with the Commanders

Marshon Lattimore feels like his potential this season has the highest variance of any player on Washington's roster. This was a sentiment echoed by Commanders insider John Keim of ESPN, who thought the cornerback would be a potential cut candidate if he cannot bounce back emphatically.

Lattimore has no guaranteed money remaining on the final two years of his deal. He'll count $18 million vs. the cap in 2025 and $18.5 million in '26. If he's cut after the season there would be no dead money on Washington's salary cap.John Keim

Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler and a notoriously fierce competitor, known for getting under the skin of opposing receivers throughout his career. However, he is also an aging 29-year-old and has played in only 26 regular-season games over the past three years.

The former first-round pick appeared in only two of a possible eight contests in the regular season following his trade before suiting up in all three Commanders playoff games. Even in those contests, Lattimore did not look fully healthy and was only productive when opposing quarterbacks shied away from throwing in his direction.

There is reason for optimism for Lattimore in 2025. With a full offseason to heal from the hamstring injury that plagued him last year, as well as to acclimate himself to Dan Quinn and Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense, he should have every opportunity to return to his Pro Bowl form.

Lattimore has said that he played "timid" in Washington last year and never felt like himself, according to Keim. That should no longer be the case. The veteran out of Ohio State revealed that he feels much better now, with more "burst out of his break" and an explosiveness that he lacked in 2024.

Time will tell if Lattimore can back up the offseason chatter on the field this fall. If he does, his stock could rise in a major way.

More Commanders news and analysis