The Washington Commanders capitalized on the trade deadline to strengthen their defense, acquiring Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore to bolster their secondary. Currently leading the NFC East with a 7-2 record, Washington faces a tough Week 10 matchup against the Pittsburgh Steelers, who top the AFC North at 6-2.
Pittsburgh, riding a three-game winning streak with veteran quarterback Russell Wilson at the helm, poses a significant passing threat, underscoring the importance of the Commanders' defensive upgrade.
Washington secured Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints, who are undergoing significant changes after recently parting ways with head coach Dennis Allen. In exchange for Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round draft pick, the Commanders sent third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks in next year's NFL Draft to New Orleans. Although Lattimore has been managing a hamstring injury that caused him to miss two games this season, he's expected to bring immediate impact to Washington's defense, which currently holds opponents to an average of 183.3 passing yards per game.
Commanders' head coach Dan Quinn expressed excitement over the acquisition, describing it as an ideal match for the team's needs and culture.
"I'd say you had me at hello," Quinn remarked. "This was easy, man. Acquire a player like Marshon's caliber, the toughness, the physicality. Whether it was this month, six months from now, this is a player that you want to be on your team."
Quinn highlighted Lattimore's mentality as a perfect fit for the Commanders' defense.
"He stands for the right stuff. He has an attitude to battle, and we're really pumped to have him here," Quinn continued, emphasizing the veteran's experience and competitive edge.
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The Commanders' defensive secondary, already among the league's strongest, gains further depth with Lattimore's addition. As the team faces the Steelers, Lattimore's presence will be a critical factor in containing Wilson's revitalized passing attack. For Quinn and the Commanders, this acquisition signals their continued push for dominance in the NFC East, enhancing a defense already designed to disrupt even the most formidable offenses.