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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.
Darius Hayes|
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
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

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Washington CommandersNew Orleans Saints

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.

New Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
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.

Stick with CommanderGameday and the Locked On Commanders podcast for more FREE coverage of the Washington Commanders throughout the 2024 season.

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• Jayden Daniels, Terry McLaurin Connect to Score vs. Giants

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Darius Hayes
DARIUS HAYES

Darius Hayes is a writer and contributor for 2 On SI sites, where he covers multiple teams as well as the Atlanta Braves. His work reflects his passion for sports, especially as a lifelong Philadelphia sports fan. Hayes grew up in Trenton, N.J., and now resides in Atlanta, Ga. He earned his Bachelor’s degree in Journalism from the University of Wisconsin–Milwaukee and his Master’s in Communications from Georgia State University. In addition to journalism, Hayes serves in the Georgia Army National Guard. He can be followed on Twitter @dariushayes55.

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