Washington Commanders head coach Dan Quinn couldn’t hide his delight after they acquired star cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Before Tuesday’s trade deadline passed, the New Orleans Saints dealt Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-rounder for a 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-rounder. When asked about the deal, Quinn quoted the 1996 film “Jerry Maguire” to emphasize his excitement.
“I’d say you had me at hello,” Quinn said Wednesday, per WRC-TV in Washington. “This was easy, man, to acquire a player of Shon’s caliber, the toughness, the physicality. Whether it was this month or six months from now, this is a player you’d want on your team. He stands for the right stuff. He’s got an attitude to battle, and we’re really pumped to have him here.”
Lattimore and Quinn could be a perfect marriage. Star defensive backs, including Richard Sherman and Trevon Diggs, have thrived under Quinn, a former Seattle Seahawks and Dallas Cowboys defensive coordinator.
In eight seasons with the Saints, Lattimore made four Pro Bowls and won 2017 Defensive Rookie of the Year. Per Pro Football Reference, he’s tied for 14th among active players in passes defensed (88).
Lattimore has dealt with some injuries over the past few seasons and hasn’t played in more than 10 regular-season games since 2021. He already missed two games this season with a hamstring issue.
When healthy, he’s still elite. Per Pro Football Focus, he allowed zero TD catches and a below-average 74.4 passer rating in his first seven games with the Saints.
The Commanders rank fifth in the league in passing yards (184 YPG) allowed, but they’ve struggled against star QBs. In a 30-23 Week 6 loss to Baltimore, Ravens QB Lamar Jackson registered 323 yards passing.
Adding Lattimore should ensure the secondary doesn’t fold against better competition, helping Washington (7-2) prepare for a deep playoff run.
