The Washington Commanders have informed cornerback Marshon Lattimore he will be released before the league year begins next week, saving the team $18.5 million in salary cap space. The move had been expected since Lattimore suffered a season-ending ACL tear in his left knee during Week 9. Washington currently holds the fifth-most cap space available in the NFL.

Lattimore, 29, was acquired from the New Orleans Saints at the 2024 trade deadline, with Washington sending three draft picks (third, fourth and sixth) to New Orleans while receiving a fifth-rounder in return. However, he missed eight games that season due to hamstring issues, including six with the Commanders. The former first-round pick made four Pro Bowls in his first five NFL seasons but has battled various injuries since 2021, including a lacerated kidney, broken ribs, and ankle problems.

The Commanders plan to be aggressive in free agency, particularly at cornerback, according to league sources. They currently have two potential starters under contract: Trey Amos, who started as a rookie before breaking his leg in Week 10, and Mike Sainristil, a 2024 second-round pick who has started the past two seasons. Lattimore also faces legal issues after being arrested on January 7 in Lakewood, Ohio, and charged with improperly handling a firearm in a vehicle.