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John Keim, ESPN writer
ASHBURN, Va. — Washington Commanders players received a clear message from the front office after they acquired cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints on Tuesday.
“We want to win and we want to win now,” linebacker Bobby Wagner said. “It was great for them to do that.”
The Commanders (7-2) traded three picks to New Orleans (2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-round picks) to get Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick. He instantly improves a defense that ranks 18th in pick rating. opposing quarterback and 21st in net yards per pass attempt.
Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowl selection, said his arrival brings Washington closer to the goal of competing for a Super Bowl.
“Definitely,” he said. “I wouldn’t be here if I didn’t do it. They made it clear what they gave up to get me. I just have to do what I have to do.”
Which, he said, is “going out and doing everything you can for the team, just being a dog.”
Lattimore did not practice Wednesday due to a hamstring injury that kept him out of New Orleans’ loss to the Carolina Panthers on Sunday. It’s unclear when he will practice, much less if he will play Sunday against the Pittsburgh Steelers (6-2).
But the Commanders will be cautious with Lattimore and will want him to be healthy for the rest of the season.
Lattimore gives Washington a true No. 1 cornerback, something it has lacked for years. The organization’s last Pro Bowl cornerback was DeAngelo Hall in 2010. Their last cornerback with multiple Pro Bowl appearances was Champ Bailey from 2000-2003.
Washington can now mix and match its other corners. The Commanders have Benjamin St-Juste, who adds length at 6-foot-3; Mike Sainristil, selected as a cornerback but moved outside out of necessity; and Noah Igbinoghene.
“He can take away half the field for us,” St-Juste said of Lattimore, “so we can work with so many different people.” [coverages] on the other side of the field.”
St-Juste echoed Wagner’s sentiment.
“It shows that they have confidence in us and see that we will go far this season,” St-Juste said.
Washington general manager Adam Peters said he and other members of the front office had been talking to several teams for a while about various players. The commanders wanted a particular corner. They also did their homework on Lattimore, but Peters said they didn’t think he would be available, until late in the process.
And while Peters wants to build through the draft, he didn’t mind giving up the picks because they started the day with nine and still have seven. Washington still has a third-round pick acquired from the Philadelphia Eagles in August for receiver Jahan Dotson. Peters also said the Commanders weighed what might be available in free agency and the draft, and that they might also need to find another cornerback in the offseason.
But they had no problem delivering what they did for a player of Lattimore’s caliber.
“He fits into any defense,” Peters said. “So whatever we’re playing, zone or man, he’s going to be able to do all of that. He’s a very, very smart player. He’s a really instinctive player. He’s physical, and those are things we’re looking for.” “
Washington coach Dan Quinn said he watched Lattimore cover top receivers in the past and said he would make things difficult on contested catches for top receivers.
Quinn also told a reporter, “You’re barking up the right tree,” when asked if Lattimore’s presence increases what they can call defensively.
“Not everyone can go and match up different players in different spots, on the left side or the right side of the slot,” 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 that he’s here.
“We’re adding a real competitor to a group of guys who like to fight and wrestle.”
