Marshon Lattimore Trade Lands Commanders Positive Grade; Saints Better

The Washington Commanders acquired Marshon Lattimore to strengthen their defense at the trade deadline. Here’s a breakdown of the Commanders' trade grade.

Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

The Commanders made a significant move ahead of the NFL trade deadline by acquiring cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.

As reported by multiple sources, the Commanders traded a third, fourth, and sixth-round pick to the Saints while also gaining a fifth-round selection in return. This acquisition aims to solidify the Commanders’ defense, particularly in coverage, where they needed improvement.

USA Today's Michael Middlehurst-Schwartz graded the trade, claiming the Commanders get a B+ with this deal.

Sep 29, 2024; Atlanta, Georgia, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) on the field against the Atlanta Falcons at Mercedes-Benz Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Dale Zanine-Imagn Images / Dale Zanine-Imagn Images

"From a talent standpoint, there's plenty to like in this move," says Middlehurst-Schwartz. "Lattimore, 28, is a sticky presence in coverage and also a playmaker with 15 career interceptions. Even amid the Saints' widespread struggles, he's yielding a career-low 5.2 yards per target while allowing a meager 69.1 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference. Still, this was a good bit of draft compensation to surrender, even for a team that was set to have an extra third-round pick thanks to its Jahan Dotson deal with the Philadelphia Eagles."

Middlehurst-Schwartz points out that Lattimore’s health and contract could pose significant challenges for the Commanders.

"Health could be an X-factor, as Lattimore has missed 19 games since the 2022 season and is dealing with a hamstring injury," the writer continued. "He is also due $36.5 million in the final two years of his contract after this season, though Washington is in a solid spot to absorb the hit."

Of course, none of the money left on Lattimore's current contract after this season is guaranteed.

The Saints, however, were handed a letter grade "B+" as they look to use this draft compensation to build towards the future.

This trade shows that the Commanders are buying in and have major playoff ambitions, and Lattimore could provide a crucial boost to those efforts.

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