Marshon Lattimore's return to health is a key dynamic behind another bold playoff bid for the Washington Commanders in 2025. One NFL analyst went one step further, boldly proclaiming the team's defensive aspirations depend on the cornerback's performance levels.
Things didn't go well for Lattimore last season. He looked like a shell of his old self, hindered by a hamstring complication that limited his explosiveness. The former first-round pick fought valiantly to help, but there was nothing he could do to turn the tide.
Thankfully, things look more promising now.
Lattimore had the required time to fully heal. He looked re-energized and dynamic over Washington's mandatory minicamp. The four-time Pro Bowler also revealed that he's feeling good and ready to remind the world why he was considered among the league's most accomplished shutdown coverage presences once upon a time.
Marshon Lattimore embarking on career crossroads with Commanders in 2025
This is the biggest positive imaginable with the scope to change everything. Dalton Wasserman from Pro Football Focus agrees. The analyst also highlighted the precarious status surrounding Lattimore as a reason why he could bounce back in fine style when competitive action begins.
Washington's cornerbacks ranked dead last in the NFL in PFF coverage grade last season. The team traded for Marshon Lattimore during the year to help the cause, but he appeared in just five games for the Commanders due to a hamstring injury and earned a poor 40.7 PFF coverage grade. The team needs Lattimore to return to a high level, and he needs to play better to extend his career, as he has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this season.Dalton Wasserman
The Commanders weren't going to give up on Lattimore so soon into his Washington career. Adam Peters acknowledged the mitigating circumstances attached to his slump. He believes a full offseason to recover and prepare effectively could reap substantial rewards in 2025.
It's a high-stakes situation for Lattimore despite the encouraging early signs. Peters might not be as lenient next spring if the defensive back continues to struggle, especially considering the Commanders would save $18.5 million on their salary cap by releasing or trading him.
There's a flip side to this coin. If Lattimore puts this extra urgency to good use and, more importantly, gets a clear run on the injury front, better fortunes are sure to arrive. Something that could land the Ohio State product with a new deal when it's all said and done.
It'll be interesting to see how things unfold. But it would be a major disappointment if Lattimore didn't make a leading contribution.
