Commanders Eye Jaylen Watson as Marshon Lattimore Exit Looms

Washington considers replacing veteran CB Marshon Lattimore with long-armed Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson to boost secondary and free up cap space.

Published on Feb. 26, 2026

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The Washington Commanders are reportedly eyeing Kansas City Chiefs cornerback Jaylen Watson as a potential replacement for veteran Marshon Lattimore, whose future with the team is uncertain due to salary cap concerns. Watson, a tall and long-armed cornerback, fits the defensive scheme that new coordinator Daronte Jones plans to implement, which is inspired by former Vikings coordinator Brian Flores' complex blitz packages and disguised coverages. Lattimore's potential departure would free up significant cap space for the Commanders, allowing them to pursue other upgrades in the secondary.

Why it matters

The Commanders have struggled to limit big passing plays in recent seasons, an issue that has persisted even after Lattimore joined the team midway through 2024. Targeting a versatile and disciplined cornerback like Watson, who has thrived in a similar defensive system, could help Washington shore up their secondary and improve their overall defensive performance.

The details

Jaylen Watson's profile as a long-armed cornerback aligns with what Washington needs. Over the past two seasons, Watson allowed just one touchdown and recorded eight pass breakups and two interceptions, per PFF. He's a scheme-versatile, disciplined player with more than 2,000 snaps played at outside corner over the past four years. Watson may not have a ton of ball production, but he makes up for it with down-to-down consistency and an overall reluctance to give up the big play. Lattimore's $16.5 million salary on a one-year deal that isn't guaranteed means the team can move on and save $18.5 million in cap space, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.

  • Marshon Lattimore joined Washington midseason in 2024.

The players

Jaylen Watson

A cornerback for the Kansas City Chiefs who is known for his long arms, scheme versatility, and disciplined play.

Marshon Lattimore

A veteran cornerback who joined the Washington Commanders midway through the 2024 season but failed to perform at his previous Pro Bowl level.

Daronte Jones

The defensive coordinator for the Washington Commanders, who is expected to implement a defensive scheme inspired by former Minnesota Vikings coordinator Brian Flores.

Steve Spagnuolo

The defensive coordinator for the Kansas City Chiefs, known for his fire-zone pressure calls that demand versatile defensive backs.

Brian Flores

The former defensive coordinator for the Minnesota Vikings, whose defensive scheme is inspiring the one that Daronte Jones plans to implement with the Washington Commanders.

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What they’re saying

“Jaylen Watson's profile as a long-armed cornerback aligns with what Washington needs. Over the past two seasons, Watson allowed just one touchdown and recorded eight pass breakups and two interceptions, per PFF. He's a scheme-versatile, disciplined player with more than 2,000 snaps played at outside corner over the past four years. Watson may not have a ton of ball production, but he makes up for it with down-to-down consistency and an overall reluctance to give up the big play.”

— Austin Gayle, Sports analyst (The Ringer)

“Releasing Lattimore would free up significant cap space, which means the team can move on and save $18.5 million in cap space, according to Nicki Jhabvala of The Athletic.”

— Nicki Jhabvala (The Athletic)

What’s next

The Commanders will need to decide whether to part ways with Marshon Lattimore and pursue Jaylen Watson in free agency, a move that would provide financial flexibility to address other needs in the secondary.

The takeaway

By targeting a proven yet versatile cornerback like Jaylen Watson, who is familiar with the aggressive and complex defensive scheme the Commanders plan to implement, Washington aims to solidify their secondary and improve their defensive performance in the coming seasons.