The day after parting ways with head coach Dennis Allen, the New Orleans Saints made another big move by trading away a core piece of their defense.
Marshon Lattimore, their star cornerback, was sent to the Washington Commanders along with a 2025 fifth-round draft pick. In exchange, the Saints received third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks for the 2024 draft. NFL Network Insiders Ian Rapoport and Tom Pelissero broke the news, and both teams later confirmed the deal.
Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, was one of the few veterans on the Saints’ roster who was likely to attract attention at the trade deadline. Rumors about his potential departure had been circulating, especially given that the Saints were struggling this season. Though he’s been dealing with a hamstring injury, missing a couple of games including last week’s loss to the Panthers, his talent and reputation make him a valuable addition for the Commanders.
For the Saints, the trade marks a clear pivot toward rebuilding. After enduring a tough seven-game losing streak, New Orleans seems ready to gather as many draft assets as possible to reshape their roster. Getting a solid return like a third-round pick for Lattimore, a seasoned cornerback, helps give them the flexibility they need for future moves.
When healthy, Lattimore is one of the league’s most physical cornerbacks, known for his aggressive playstyle and lockdown abilities. His presence on the field can shift a game, and he’s been a staple of the Saints’ secondary for years. This trade will leave a big hole in New Orleans’ defense, but it also opens up opportunities for younger players to step up.
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The Commanders, on the other hand, are showing they’re serious about making a playoff push. With Lattimore in their secondary, Washington’s defense gains both skill and experience. Their secondary has faced challenges this season, and the addition of a veteran like Lattimore brings a needed edge to a young group of cornerbacks. This move also reflects general manager Adam Peters’ commitment to building a stronger team in his first year at the helm.
Head coach Dan Quinn is known for heavily relying on his defensive backs, so adding a player of Lattimore’s caliber is a strong, strategic choice. It’s a bold investment, but Washington was willing to part with one of their extra third-round picks to make it happen. Moves like this are often made by teams who feel they’re close to making a deep run in the playoffs.
Offensively, Washington has been electric this season, with quarterback Jayden Daniels leading a standout campaign. The Commanders are currently sitting at 7-2, putting them at the top of the NFC East, largely thanks to their explosive offense. However, the defense has shown some gaps, and this trade is a clear signal that the team is looking to shore up any weak spots.
This trade shows that the Commanders aren’t just satisfied with a strong start; they’re positioning themselves to be a competitive force in the playoffs. By addressing their defensive needs with a player of Lattimore’s pedigree, Washington has taken a decisive step toward balancing out their lineup on both sides of the ball.
For fans of both teams, this trade brings a mixture of excitement and uncertainty. Saints fans will miss Lattimore’s presence on the field, but there’s hope that the draft picks will help bring in fresh talent to rebuild the squad. Meanwhile, Commanders fans have a new reason to be optimistic about their playoff prospects with Lattimore on board.
In the end, this deal reflects the different trajectories of the two franchises: the Saints looking to rebuild with an eye toward the future, and the Commanders aiming to take advantage of their current momentum to make a splash in the postseason.
