Marshon Lattimore and 6 Commanders with everything on the line in 2025

The stakes have been raised for the Washington Commanders in 2025. No longer is this once-downtrodden franchise expected to be languishing among the bottom feeders. Fans and analysts are anticipating another deep postseason run in the second year under Dan Quinn's leadership.

Whether the Commanders have enough to achieve this feat is debatable. Adam Peters made some aggressive moves over his second recruitment period. The squad appears stronger on paper, but some potential flaws could hold them back if an injury or two were to affect the roster.

Washington's schedule is tougher. There is a lot of travel and no routine after being given so many standalone games. This is the price of success, so it must be navigated effectively if the Commanders want to stand any chance of dethroning the Philadelphia Eagles.

Hopes are high among the fan base. But for some in the locker room, there is an enormous amount at stake. Their performances will determine their future in Washington beyond the current campaign, and things could go either way.

Let's take a look at seven Commanders players with everything on the line in 2025. We'll start with four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore.

Commanders players with everything on the line in 2025

Marshon Lattimore - Commanders CB

The Washington Commanders' first big swing for the fences under general manager Adam Peters was their trade for Marshon Lattimore before the 2024 deadline. This confirmed that everyone should start taking this ambitious project seriously, but a frustrating hamstring issue meant he never met expectations.

Lattimore's fighting spirit deserves credit. He wanted to help despite being nowhere near 100 percent. It didn't pay off, but things look a lot more promising after a full offseason to heal.

The former Ohio State standout showed up to Washington's 2025 preparations looking like a different player. He was fast, explosive, and the quick-twitch agility had returned. Lattimore's swagger also came back, with the veteran sending out a warning that he felt like his old self after a frustrating few months.

This could be the biggest X-factor within the Commanders this season. If Lattimore can stay healthy for the entire campaign and return to his shutdown-caliber status, that'll change everything for Joe Whitt Jr.'s defense. Considering the club also has Trey Amos, Mike Sainristil, Jonathan Jones, and Noah Igbinoghene, the cornerback unit could be a major strength if everyone gets a clear run of good fortune on the injury front.

If not, Lattimore is a potential cut candidate next spring with savings of $18 million attached.

Ben Sinnott - Commanders TE

There was cautious optimism around what Ben Sinnott could potentially contribute as a rookie. As it turned out, the tight end wasn't needed all that much.

Zach Ertz's career renaissance and John Bates' emergence into one of the league's most dominant blockers at the tight end spot left Sinnott on the proverbial fringes. He flashed as a blocker and gained one touchdown from five targets, all of which he successfully secured. But with the veteran duo both getting extensions this offseason, it remains to be seen what the Kansas State product's role will be.

Sinnott was listed as the third tight end behind Ertz and Bates once again. He'll be a key factor on special teams, but the Commanders didn't draft him in the second round for that. They want him to emerge as a well-rounded option capable of being a long-term piece once Ertz retires.

The jury is still out on that one.

Austin Ekeler - Commanders RB

Trading former starting running back Brian Robinson Jr. to the San Francisco 49ers shook up the backfield dynamic considerably. Adam Peters didn't see a future for the player in Washington and got what he could in return. Now, the onus is on others to fill the void.

All the hype has centered on Chris Rodriguez Jr. and seventh-round rookie Jacory Croskey-Merritt this summer. However, it would be surprising if Kliff Kingsbury didn't lean on Austin Ekeler over the early stages of the campaign.

Ekeler might not be considered among the league's most prolific dual-threat running backs these days, but he's still got the burst and elusiveness to make a difference if schemed correctly. There are concerns about durability following more serious concussion issues last season, but there have been no issues in that regard over the summer.

The Commanders placed tremendous faith in Ekeler. He must deliver accordingly.

Will Harris - Commanders S

Letting Jeremy Chinn depart for the Las Vegas Raiders in free agency was a massive call by Adam Peters. The standout safety left a huge impression in 2024, but the general manager didn't believe he was worthy of another deal. Whether this decision pays off or not depends on Will Harris.

The Commanders moved quickly to sign Harris once Chinn was on his way out the door. He's a decent veteran presence with a connection to assistant general manager Lance Newmark. He also made an impressive start over the summer, which raised expectations heading into the real action.

Nobody is expecting Harris to match Chinn's dynamism on the backend. But he must be a solid partner capable of providing the dependability that allows potential breakout star Quan Martn to flourish. Anything less will see questions laid at Peters' door.

Nick Allegretti - Commanders OL

The Washington Commanders made some significant changes to their offensive line this offseason. Laremy Tunsil and Josh Conerly Jr. are the new starting tackle tandem. Brandon Coleman is switching to left guard, and Tyler Biadasz remains the dependable veteran center with already developed chemistry with Jayden Daniels.

There is a potential issue at the right guard position. Sam Cosmi will miss the first four games and potentially more as he recovers from a torn ACL. The Commanders haven't confirmed anything yet, but it seems like Nick Allegretti is in line to fill the void initially.

The stakes could not be higher for Allegretti. He underperformed last season, especially from a pass-blocking standpoint. Getting off to a positive start is crucial. Otherwise, the Commanders will have no hesitation in turning to Andrew Wylie until Cosmi is ready to return.

Daron Payne - Commanders DL

Releasing veteran defensive tackle Jonathan Allen was an inevitable move made by the Commanders this offseason. The Pro Bowler's production had declined, and his motivation was not where it needed to be, having been mentally beaten down by the ineptitude of previous regimes.

Allen's departure represents a supreme vote of confidence in Daron Payne. Head coach Dan Quinn lauded the former Alabama standout for his improved focus and emerging leadership this summer. He's stepping out of the shadows to become an alpha dog without his old college teammate around. If this continues into the regular season, a dominant campaign could be in the offing.

Payne is the team's highest salary-cap hit this season and next. If he wants to see out the final year of his deal and potentially be in line for a contract extension ahead of time, he has to return to his Pro Bowl-caliber standards.

Deebo Samuel Sr. - Commanders WR

The Commanders placed a significant amount of faith in Deebo Samuel Sr. this offseason. Kliff Kingsbury doesn't need the versatile wide receiver to be the No. 1 option — Washington has Terry McLaurin for that. They need the South Carolina product to be a complementary piece capable of adding a different dynamic to the schematic concepts.

Samuel showed up in shape and ready to work after receiving some harsh criticism over his conditioning. He's relishing a new challenge, and McLaurin's long contract standoff allowed him to develop some quick early chemistry with superstar quarterback Jayden Daniels.

All signs are pointing up for Samuel. He's got an enormous amount at stake in 2025, which also happens to be a contract year for the one-time All-Pro. If he can produce the goods and stay healthy, the Commanders could offer him another deal next spring.