In a stunning development that has sent shockwaves through the NFL, New Orleans Saints Executive Vice President and General Manager Mickey Loomis announced today that the team has traded star cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick to the Washington Commanders. In return, the Saints will receive Washington’s third-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft, along with additional compensation still to be revealed.
This trade marks a pivotal moment in both teams’ offseasons and could reshape the trajectory of both franchises in the coming years. For the Saints, the decision to part ways with one of their cornerstone players is a bold move aimed at reshaping the roster and gaining flexibility for the future. Meanwhile, the Washington Commanders are making a clear push to improve their defense and solidify their secondary with the addition of Lattimore, a player regarded as one of the top cornerbacks in the league.
The Trade Breakdown
- To the Washington Commanders:
- Cornerback Marshon Lattimore, 2025 Fifth-Round Pick
- To the New Orleans Saints:
- 2025 Third-Round Pick (and potentially additional assets, pending further reports)
Lattimore’s departure marks the end of an era for the Saints, as the 27-year-old has been a key part of New Orleans’ defense since being drafted 11th overall in the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the trade represents the Saints’ broader vision to rebuild and potentially enter a new phase, with an eye on future draft capital and long-term flexibility.
For the Commanders, acquiring Lattimore is a massive upgrade to their secondary. The team has long been in search of a true shutdown corner, and Lattimore fits the bill perfectly, with a proven track record as a Pro Bowler and one of the top cornerbacks in the NFL.
Marshon Lattimore: A Legacy in New Orleans
Since being drafted by the Saints in 2017, Marshon Lattimore quickly established himself as one of the premier cornerbacks in the league. Over the course of his career, Lattimore has been named a Pro Bowler multiple times and has earned recognition as a First-Team All-Pro. His combination of size, speed, and ball skills made him a feared presence on the field, and he was consistently tasked with shutting down the opposing team’s top receiving threats.
Lattimore’s presence was a critical component of the Saints’ defense during their years of contention, particularly in their successful seasons from 2017 to 2021. His ability to blanket wide receivers, his physicality at the line of scrimmage, and his ball-hawking ability made him a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense.
However, recent seasons have seen Lattimore struggle with injuries, including a lingering knee issue that has affected his consistency on the field. The Saints’ decision to trade Lattimore may reflect a combination of his injury concerns, his expiring contract (he is set to become a free agent after the 2025 season), and the team’s desire to build for the future.
While Lattimore’s departure leaves a significant hole in the Saints’ secondary, the team’s front office clearly believes they can address that need in the draft or through free agency. The third-round pick they received in return gives them valuable capital to bolster their defense or to make other strategic moves moving forward.
The Washington Commanders’ Bold Move
For the Washington Commanders, this trade is a clear signal that they are in “win-now” mode, bolstering a defense that was already one of the league’s more underrated units. The Commanders have had solid play from their defensive line and linebackers, but their secondary has been inconsistent. With the acquisition of Lattimore, Washington now has a legitimate No. 1 cornerback who can help solidify the back end of their defense and match up against the NFC East’s top wide receivers.
Lattimore’s addition to a defensive unit that already includes stars like edge rusher Chase Young, defensive tackle Jonathan Allen, and linebacker Jamin Davis gives the Commanders a potential elite defense. Lattimore is known for his ability to lock down the opposing team’s top receiver, which could help free up Washington’s pass rush to be even more effective. His ability to play physical at the line of scrimmage, read the quarterback’s eyes, and jump routes will immediately make Washington’s secondary more formidable.
The Commanders have also been looking to solidify their playoff contention in the NFC East, which remains a highly competitive division. With the Cowboys and Eagles leading the charge, Washington is looking to make a push toward playoff contention, and acquiring a player like Lattimore strengthens their defense in ways that could be the difference-maker in tight games.
What This Trade Means for the New Orleans Saints
For the New Orleans Saints, the decision to trade Marshon Lattimore represents a significant shift in the team’s roster-building strategy. While the team has had success in recent years with strong defensive play, they now appear to be shifting toward a rebuilding phase, focusing on future assets to improve the team’s long-term outlook. The third-round pick they acquired in this deal could help address several areas of need, particularly in the secondary, where Lattimore’s absence will likely be felt.
This trade also provides the Saints with flexibility moving forward, as they now have additional resources to pursue free agents or trade for other players in the coming seasons. The 2025 draft will be crucial for the team as they look to reload and set themselves up for future success. With the Saints’ offense still having the potential to be explosive with players like Alvin Kamara, Chris Olave, and Michael Thomas (assuming health), adding more talent to the defense through the draft could give the team a balanced roster ready for contention once again.
In addition to the third-round pick, the Saints may also look to bring in a veteran cornerback or use the cap space freed up by trading Lattimore to strengthen other areas of the team. Whether they focus on adding a new cornerback to fill Lattimore’s shoes or use the resources for other positional upgrades, the trade is a clear sign that the Saints are preparing for a new chapter.
What’s Next for Marshon Lattimore?
As for Lattimore, the trade to Washington represents a new opportunity in a new city, and his skill set should mesh well with the Commanders’ defense. Lattimore will now be part of a young, dynamic defense that could contend for playoff spots in the coming years. Given that he has consistently been one of the top cornerbacks in the league, the move to Washington may reinvigorate him, as he will be surrounded by talent on all levels of the defense. His ability to defend against top-tier wide receivers in the NFC East—such as Philadelphia’s A.J. Brown, Dallas’ CeeDee Lamb, and New York’s Darius Slayton—will be critical in Washington’s push to improve their defense.
Lattimore is expected to slot into the Commanders’ secondary as the No. 1 corner, playing a major role in defending high-powered offenses within the NFC East. His ability to eliminate top threats and contribute to a lockdown defense should make the Commanders’ defense one of the most feared in the NFC.
Conclusion: A Game-Changing Move for Both Teams
This trade between the New Orleans Saints and the Washington Commanders represents a turning point for both teams. For the Saints, it’s a decision that points toward a rebuilding strategy, focusing on draft capital and flexibility. The third-round pick they’ve acquired could help them address future needs and position themselves for a quicker return to contention.
For the Washington Commanders, acquiring Marshon Lattimore is a major step toward improving their defense and solidifying a secondary that has been one of the team’s weakest links in recent seasons. Lattimore’s ability to shut down top-tier wide receivers makes him an immediate asset, and his presence will undoubtedly help Washington make a push for the playoffs in the highly competitive NFC East.
As the 2025 NFL Draft approaches and free agency unfolds, both teams will continue to shape their futures, with Lattimore’s trade serving as one of the most impactful moves of the offseason so far. The NFL world will be watching closely as these two franchises look to capitalize on this bold move.