The Washington Commanders made a huge move at Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
The Commanders sent third-, fourth- and sixth-round selections in the 2025 NFL draft to New Orleans in exchange for Lattimore and a 2025-fifth-round selection.
Lattimore, 28, is a four-time Pro Bowler who signed a five-year, $97.6 million extension in 2021. So, in this trade, the Commanders had to take on the remaining portion of Lattimore’s contract. However, few teams are in better salary cap shape than Washington.
Before Tuesday’s trade, the Commanders had $25 million in cap space available for this season, according to Spotrac.
How does Lattimore impact Washington’s salary cap? Thanks partly to the Saints’ continuous maneuvering to stay under the cap, Lattimore’s cap number for the remainder of 2024 is $605K. New Orleans’ last restructuring of Lattimore’s deal made it much easier to deal Lattimore.
While he has two years remaining on his contract, he does have a possible out after this season. If things go well, it will make sense for the Commanders and Lattimore to continue their relationship for years to come.
Here’s a look at Lattimore’s cap numbers for the next three years:
- 2024: $605K
- 2025: $18 million
- 2026: $18.5 million
Those cap numbers are excellent for a cornerback of Lattimore’s caliber. However, if he remains healthy for the final eight games and plays well, he and Washington could renegotiate the deal.
Either way, the Commanders have the salary cap room to add Lattimore’s deal and be serious players in free agency next spring. Spotrac currently has the Commanders with $104 million in cap space for 2025, with Lattimore’s numbers on the books.
