Marshon Lattimore no-showed Commanders OTAs and sent worst message possible

There are a few notable absentees for Phase 3 of the Washington Commanders' offseason program. Wide receiver Terry McLaurin's decision not to participate in organized team activities as he awaits a new contract took the spotlight, but another veteran skipping the process shouldn't be overlooked either.

It's worth remembering that being at OTAs is voluntary. The Commanders got full attendance last year as everyone bought into head coach Dan Quinn's culture shift immediately. That wasn't the case this time around, which brings cornerback Marshon Lattimore firmly under the microscope.

Lattimore was acquired by the Commanders via trade from the New Orleans Saints just before the 2024 deadline. Big things were expected of the four-time Pro Bowler, but he never came close to meeting these expectations.

Marshon Lattimore sent the wrong message with Commanders OTAs no-show

There were mitigating circumstances attached. Lattimore came into the Commanders with a hamstring injury that he never shook off effectively enough. There were some brief moments of promise, but nothing more. Despite a rough introduction, those in power are confident he can thrive once the issue heals and he gets a full summer within Washington's schematic concepts.

Lattimore should have been chomping at the bit to get back involved and silence his doubters. The former first-round pick opted to prepare away from the team instead.

Perhaps the hamstring injury needs extra time. Perhaps Lattimore is avoiding the risk of unnecessary damage to the problem when there is so much at stake in 2025. Perhaps he's looking for a new deal, which isn't going to arrive based on last season's efforts.

Either way, Lattimore showing up for OTAs would have sent the right message. Urgency is high to progress next season and show the world why he was one of the league's best shutdown presences on the boundary once upon a time. There is also increased competition in the cornerback room following the additions of Jonathan Jones and Trey Amos, although his spot doesn't seem in any immediate danger.

Lattimore will be around when he needs to be. Mandatory minicamp is around the corner, so the Ohio State graduate will be in the building for that. He's also experienced enough to stay in shape. And make no mistake, he needs to hit the ground running.

The stakes couldn't be much higher for Lattimore in 2025. He's a genuine salary-cap-cut candidate next spring if things don't improve. Hopefully, it doesn't come to that, but skipping OTAs does nothing to diminish the pressure on his shoulders.

Nothing but a positive response will do.

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