Commanders to release veteran CB, free $18.5 million in cap space

Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. Eric Canha-Imagn Images

Commanders to release veteran cornerback, free $18.5 million in cap space

By Andrew Wright | Last updated Mar 2, 2026 2:53 PM ET

In the world of professional sports trades, some trades are winners, and some are losers.

The latter can be said about a trade between the Washington Commanders and New Orleans Saints before the 2024 NFL trade deadline.

That trade saw Washington deal for Pro Bowl defensive back Marshon Lattimore in exchange for draft capital. Fast forward less than two seasons, and Lattimore will soon be in search of a new home.

Commanders expected to move on from veteran corner

According to ESPN NFL insider Adam Schefter, Washington has informed Lattimore that it intends to release him before the new league year begins.

Lattimore is currently recovering from a torn ACL he suffered last season and will finish his time in Washington appearing in just 11 games.

Commanders have informed former Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore that they intend to release him before the new league year begins, a move that will save the team $18.5 million in salary cap space, per sources. pic.twitter.com/KNDe1botDA
— Adam Schefter (@AdamSchefter) March 2, 2026

The saved money played a huge role

Not only was Lattimore's performance on the field in Washington subpar, but cap space also played a role in the decision. As noted above by Schefter, Washington will free up $18.5 million in cap space.

After the move is complete, the Commanders will have the third-most cap space in the NFL at just over $86 million. They'll trail only the New York Jets ($87 million) and the Tennessee Titans ($90 million).

What will Marshon Lattimore's market be?

Lattimore will be entering his age-30 season, and back-to-back seasons with injuries may certainly drive down his value. The likely outcome would be a one-year prove-it deal where he looks to get his career back on track. The move for Washington to acquire Lattimore ultimately failed and cost the Commanders valuable picks in the 2025 NFL Draft.

Andrew Wright

Andrew "Dew" Wright graduated from Charleston Southern University with a degree in Communication Studies. He is a lifelong Chicago Cubs and Washington Commanders fan.

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