"NFL Trade Deadline: Commanders Acquire CB Marshon Lattimore by Trading from Draft Pick Reserves"
Indicating that the team sees itself as a contender once again, the Washington Commanders made a bold move on Tuesday by giving up three draft picks to acquire Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the struggling New Orleans Saints. This trade shows that the Commanders are willing to take risks in order to improve their chances of success.
According to reports, the Commanders had been discussing potential moves to strengthen their secondary and ultimately decided to bet on Lattimore despite the high asking price of three draft picks. In addition to Lattimore, Washington also received a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft. However, it is worth noting that Lattimore has missed a significant number of games in the past two seasons due to injuries.
This trade was the only one involving a guaranteed third-round draft pick at the deadline, and it marks a turning point for the Saints who are now in a rebuilding phase after firing their head coach. The team has struggled this season, losing seven consecutive games after starting with a 2-0 record.
Prior to the trade, the Commanders had nine draft picks in 2025, including two third-round picks. However, they have now given up one of those picks in the trade for Lattimore. The sixth-round pick that was part of the deal will go back to the Saints from Commanders GM Adam Peters, who acquired it in a previous trade for defensive tackle John Ridgeway III.
The addition of Lattimore to the team's defense will likely push 2023 first-round pick Emmanuel Forbes out of the starting lineup. Lattimore, who has started seven games this season, was unable to play in the team's last game due to a strained hamstring. However, the trade is subject to a routine physical.
In his career, Lattimore has started 97 regular-season games and has recorded 405 tackles, 15 interceptions, five forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, and 88 pass breakups.
In other trade news, the Detroit Lions acquired Za'Darius Smith from the Cleveland Browns in exchange for a fifth-round pick in the 2025 draft and a sixth-round pick in 2026. This move was made to bolster the Lions' defensive line after losing Aidan Hutchinson to a broken leg.
The Cincinnati Bengals also made a trade to improve their running back room, acquiring Khalil Herbert from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a seventh-round pick. This move was made after running back Zack Moss was placed on injured reserve with a neck injury.
The San Francisco 49ers acquired Khalil Davis from the Houston Texans for a seventh-round pick in 2026. This marks the fourth time in five years that 49ers GM John Lynch has acquired a defensive lineman at the trade deadline.
The Baltimore Ravens picked up Tre'Davious White from the Los Angeles Rams, along with a seventh-round pick in 2027, in exchange for a seventh-round pick in 2026. White, a two-time Pro Bowl cornerback, was granted permission to seek a trade by the Rams last month and will provide a fresh start for the Ravens' struggling defense.
The Pittsburgh Steelers also made two trades, acquiring Mike Williams from the New York Jets in exchange for a fifth-round pick and Preston Smith from the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a seventh-round pick. Williams, who has only 12 catches for 166 yards and zero touchdowns this season, will provide much-needed help for the Steelers' receiving corps.
Finally, the Dallas Cowboys traded for Jonathan Mingo from the Carolina Panthers in exchange for a fourth-round pick in the 2025 draft. This move will give backup quarterback Cooper Rush another talented target as he steps in for injured starter Dak Prescott.
Other trades that were completed prior to Tuesday include the Kansas City Chiefs acquiring DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans for a conditional fifth-round pick and Josh Uche from the New England Patriots for a sixth-round pick in 2026. The Browns also traded Amari Cooper to the Buffalo Bills for third- and sixth-round picks, and the Jets acquired Davante Adams from the Las Vegas Raiders for a conditional third-round pick.
The Seattle Seahawks, Minnesota Vikings, and Denver Broncos also made trades to improve their rosters, and the Arizona Cardinals acquired Baron Browning from the Broncos in exchange for a sixth-round pick in 2025.
