Washington Commanders Urged to Pursue D.J. Reed After Marshon Lattimore Trade Falls Short
The Washington Commanders have found themselves in an interesting position following a series of off-season moves and trade deadlines decisions that ultimately didn’t yield the desired results. One of the most significant moves they made this past season was acquiring four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints at the NFL trade deadline. The trade was seen as a bold decision to address the Commanders’ defensive backfield, but now, in hindsight, it seems clear that the high price Washington paid for Lattimore might have been too much for what he contributed to the team. As the Commanders look to improve their roster heading into the 2025 season, there is a growing consensus that they should turn their attention to free agency and pursue one of the league’s most underrated cornerbacks: D.J. Reed.
The Lattimore Trade: A Missed Opportunity for Washington?
When the Commanders traded for Lattimore, they hoped they were getting a difference-maker. Lattimore, a four-time Pro Bowler, had been a standout cornerback for the Saints since being drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. However, the expectations placed on him by Washington’s front office may have been unrealistic. Despite the high hopes surrounding his arrival, Lattimore failed to make the kind of impact the team anticipated. While he’s undoubtedly an exceptional player, the truth is that his performance with the Commanders didn’t drastically change the outcome of the team’s season.
Washington paid a steep price for Lattimore, sending a third, fourth, and sixth-round pick in the 2025 NFL Draft to the Saints in exchange for the veteran cornerback and a fifth-round pick. The hope was that Lattimore could provide leadership in the secondary and elevate Washington’s defense to new heights. However, Lattimore’s play wasn’t the game-changer the team needed. Even with his experience and reputation, Lattimore’s addition didn’t turn out to be the key to a deeper playoff run.
In fact, one could argue that the Commanders still made it to the NFC Championship Game without him. Though Lattimore’s presence didn’t hurt the defense, it didn’t provide the spark necessary to take the team over the top. With the Commanders’ loss in the NFC Championship Game, the trade felt like a missed opportunity to invest in a long-term solution rather than a short-term fix. As Washington’s front office evaluates its needs heading into 2025, it’s clear that they may have overpaid for a player who didn’t significantly change the trajectory of their season.
The Future of Marshon Lattimore: A Salary Cap Casualty?
Looking ahead to 2025, it’s important to address Lattimore’s financial impact on the team. While the cornerback’s on-field performance didn’t live up to expectations, his salary cap hit certainly adds a layer of complexity to the Commanders’ future planning. Lattimore is due a substantial salary of $18 million for the 2025 season, and given Washington’s current financial situation, it’s highly likely that he will be a salary cap casualty.
Releasing Lattimore could free up significant space under the salary cap for the Commanders, potentially allowing them to make other important moves during free agency. This could be a pivotal moment for the team as they reassess their needs and move forward with the goal of building a roster capable of sustained success.
While Lattimore’s departure would leave a void in the cornerback position, it also presents an opportunity for Washington to look elsewhere in the market. With nearly $100 million in available cap space, the Commanders have a rare opportunity to address their needs through free agency, and one player who stands out as an ideal target is D.J. Reed of the New York Jets.
D.J. Reed: A Rising Star in the NFL
D.J. Reed, now entering his eighth NFL season, has quietly become one of the league’s top cornerbacks. While Reed may have initially flown under the radar due to playing alongside the highly regarded Sauce Gardner in New York, he has proved to be a steady, reliable force in the Jets’ secondary. Since joining the team in 2022, Reed has consistently posted impressive numbers, allowing just an 87.1 passer rating when thrown at in 2024 and averaging roughly 73 tackles and 10 pass breakups over the past three seasons.
Reed’s consistency, physicality, and ability to lock down top receivers make him an ideal candidate for Washington to target in free agency. While many may focus on Gardner’s breakout success, Reed’s performance has earned him the respect of coaches, players, and analysts alike. His ability to shut down wide receivers, play physical at the line of scrimmage, and contribute to the overall success of the defense has earned him the reputation of one of the most underrated cornerbacks in the league.
Reed’s Projected Market Value and What the Commanders Should Offer
Given Reed’s strong performance in recent seasons, his projected market value for free agency is expected to be substantial. Spotrac currently projects Reed’s market value to be in the range of a four-year, $58.6 million deal, which would average out to $14.7 million per year. This figure reflects Reed’s value as one of the league’s top cornerbacks, and it also positions him for the biggest payday of his career.
However, the Commanders should approach this deal carefully, given Reed’s age. While Reed is still a productive player at 29, Washington may want to offer a shorter-term deal to mitigate any risk associated with his long-term contract. A three-year, $45 million contract could be a fair compromise that allows Reed to remain a key piece of the defense while also providing the Commanders with flexibility down the road. Alternatively, a two-year, $32 million contract could provide a more cost-effective option, especially with most of the value guaranteed.
The Commanders have the financial flexibility to make a competitive offer to Reed, and with Reed’s ability to be a shutdown cornerback in his prime, this investment could pay significant dividends in the long run. Not only would Reed improve the Commanders’ secondary, but he would also provide a stable presence that the team can rely on for the next several years.
How Reed Fits Into the Commanders’ Defensive Scheme
Adding D.J. Reed to the Commanders’ defense would be a game-changing move. The team already has a solid defensive foundation with players like Benjamin St-Juste, who has been a standout performer in the secondary. However, Reed would elevate the overall talent level and give Washington one of the most formidable cornerback tandems in the league.
Reed’s ability to play both outside and in the slot gives the Commanders tremendous flexibility in their defensive schemes. His versatility would allow Washington to match up against various offensive formations and provide key coverage against top-tier wide receivers. His high football IQ and ability to read the quarterback’s intentions would also make him a valuable asset in creating turnovers, a department where Washington could use some improvement.
With Reed’s physical style of play, the Commanders’ defense would be able to disrupt opposing offenses both through coverage and run support. He would solidify the secondary while also allowing the defensive line to generate more pressure, as quarterbacks would have less time to make throws to open receivers.
The Commanders’ Long-Term Strategy: Building for Success
One of the most exciting aspects of the Commanders’ current situation is their flexibility in terms of salary cap space and roster construction. With quarterback Jayden Daniels set to receive a massive contract extension in 2027, the team has a limited window to surround him with talent at a reasonable cost before that extension takes effect. Signing D.J. Reed could be part of a broader strategy to build a championship-contending team over the next few seasons.
In addition to bolstering the secondary, the Commanders should continue to focus on drafting well and making smart free-agent acquisitions. Building a balanced team that can compete year in and year out will be essential as Washington looks to remain competitive in the NFC East.
Conclusion: The Case for D.J. Reed
While the trade for Marshon Lattimore didn’t work out as hoped, the Washington Commanders have an opportunity to right the ship by pursuing D.J. Reed in free agency. With his steady, high-level play, Reed would immediately improve the team’s defense and help Washington solidify its position as a contender in the NFC. His skill set, market value, and ability to contribute to a winning team make him an ideal target for the Commanders as they look to build a championship roster. With ample cap space available and a clear need for an upgrade at cornerback, Washington should prioritize Reed and make him a key part of their future plans.
