ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders players received a clear message from the front office Tuesday after acquiring cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
“We want to win and we still want to win,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “It was cool for them to do that.”
The Commanders (7-2) traded three 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks to New Orleans for Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick. He immediately improved a defense that ranked 18th in opposing quarterback rating and 21st in net yards per pass attempt.
Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, said his addition moves Washington closer to its goal of competing for a Super Bowl.
“Absolutely,” he said. “If I didn’t do that, I wouldn’t be here. They made it clear what they were sacrificing to get me. I just do what I have to do. is.”
It’s about “just being a dog who goes out there and does everything he can for the team,” he said.
Lattimore missed Wednesday’s practice with a hamstring injury and missed New Orleans’ loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It’s unclear when he will practice, let alone whether he will play in Sunday’s game against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2).
But coaches are cautious about Lattimore and hope he stays healthy for the rest of the season.
Lattimore provides Washington with a true No. 1 corner that it has lacked for years. The organization’s last Pro Bowl corner was DeAngelo Hall in 2010. The last corner to appear in multiple Pro Bowls was Champ Bailey from 2000-2003.
Washington State can now mix and match other corners. At the helm is Benjamin Saint-Juste, who stands at 6 feet 3 inches. Mike Sainristil was drafted as a slot corner, but was forced to move outside. and Noah Igbinoghene.
“He can take away half the field,” St. Juste said of Lattimore. [coverages] On the other side of the field. ”
Saint-Juste echoed Wagner’s sentiments.
“It shows they have confidence in us and they see us going far this season,” Saint-Juste said.
Washington general manager Adam Peters said he and other members of the front office have been talking to multiple teams about various players for some time. The commanders specifically wanted a corner. They also did their homework on Lattimore, but Peters said they didn’t think he was available until late in the process.
And while Peters wants to develop through the draft, he didn’t mind giving up a pick. For they entered the day with nine, and still have seven. Washington still has the third-round pick it acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in August for receiver Jahan Dotson. Peters also said the managers are weighing available free agency and draft acquisitions and may need to find another cornerback in the offseason.
But they had no problem giving up what they did for a player like Lattimore.
“He fits in any defense,” Peters said. “So no matter what plays we play — zone, man — he’ll be able to do it all. He’s a really, really smart player. He’s a really instinctive player. He’s a physical player. That’s what we’re looking for. “
Washington coach Dan Quinn said he had seen how Lattimore covered top receivers in the past and would be tough on competing for catches for top wideouts.
Quinn also told reporters, “You’re barking up the right tree,” when asked if Lattimore’s presence would improve defensive output.
“Not everyone can play different players in different spots, left side of the slot, right side, etc.,” Quinn said. “You have to be smart to be able to do that. And he’s shown throughout his career the ability to move in and out and stay connected with receivers. He’s a good tackler, so we’re excited for him to come here. I’m excited to give it to you.”
“We’re adding some real fierceness to our group of guys who like to fight and who like to fight.”
