The NFL world has seen many shocking midseason trades in 2024, including the Washington Commanders pulling off a major deadline surprise by acquiring four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints. This trade is a big one for fans and players alike, but not everyone is thrilled about it.
Khalen Saunders Reacts to the News of the Saints-Commanders Trade
Khalen Saunders, a defensive tackle for the Saints who transferred from the Kansas City Chiefs in 2023, had a particularly strong reaction. He couldn’t fathom Lattimore’s decision and tweeted his emotions as the news of the transfer broke.
“My God and we gotta play this animal still 😭 Lattttttttttt NOOOOOOOOO,” wrote Saunders as the Commanders and Saints will go toe-to-toe in December.
My God and we gotta play this animal still 😭 Lattttttttttt NOOOOOOOOO https://t.co/DMzUT6Eh4m
— Saint Bink Saunders (@khalenNOTkaylen) November 5, 2024
The idea of lining up against the shutdown corner hit a nerve for the 28-year-old defensive tackle, who has a three-year, $14.5 million deal with the Saints that ends in 2026. Meanwhile, the Commanders, who are pushing to strengthen their roster, sent the Saints a package of third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks, receiving a fifth-round pick and Lattimore in return.
The move surprised many, given Washington’s relatively quiet reputation around trade season. However, with Lattimore set to bring his skills to Washington, they will pose a major challenge to the NFC East opponents and strive to add more wins to their 7-2 record.
What Does Marshon Lattimore Bring to Washington?
Lattimore’s addition to the Commanders is a game-changer for their secondary, offering a much-needed boost to both talent and depth. Before this move, Washington’s cornerback unit was thin on elite experience.
Benjamin St-Juste and rookie Mike Sainristil were holding down starting roles, with Sainristil filling in on the outside despite being drafted for a slot position. Lattimore’s arrival means that Sainristil can transition back to his ideal role inside, allowing the Commanders to leverage Lattimore and St-Juste as strong outside options.
READ MORE: NFL Trade Deadline — Where Does Lattimore Among Top NFC Deals?
Washington has managed to limit passing yards (ranking fifth in passing yards per game), but they still struggle with efficiency, sitting at 21st in yards per pass attempt and 18th in opponent passer rating.
Lattimore’s presence could help tighten coverage, reduce big-play vulnerabilities, and bring more consistency. As a four-time Pro Bowler, he can bring both experience and proven playmaking skills, though recent injuries have limited him, raising durability concerns.
Contract-wise, Washington gains flexibility with Lattimore’s cap-friendly $605,000 hit for the remainder of the season, per ESPN.
#NFL TRADE #COMMANDERS ACQUIRE
– 5th Rd Pick
– CB Marshon Lattimore
2024: $605k (gtd)
2025: $18M (non-gtd)
2026: $18.5M (non-gtd)#SAINTS ACQUIRE
3rd Rd Pick
4th Rd Pick
6th Rd PickNew Orleans dead cap hits:
2024: $14.01M
2025: $31.6M— Spotrac (@spotrac) November 5, 2024
With significant cap space in 2025 and only 30 players under contract, they have room to maneuver more freely. However, Lattimore’s substantial cap hits in 2025 and 2026 ($18 million and $18.5 million) could impact future roster planning for the Commanders.