Commanders Called One of NFL’s Biggest Losers After Blockbuster Trade
At last year’s NFL trade deadline, the Washington Commanders weren’t just one of the NFL’s hottest buyers, they were a destination players on other teams were actively trying to get dealt to.
Last year, the Commanders went out and made a blockbuster deal, sending a 2025 third round pick, 2025 fourth round pick and 2026 sixth round pick to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore and a 2025 fifth round pick.
ESPN’s Seth Walder singled the deal out as he re-evaluated last year’s big time trades, with the Commanders seeming like winners at the time but one year later clearly having gotten the short end of the stick.
Since joining the Commanders, Lattimore has either been out with a hamstring injury or been notable for getting absolutely cooked by opposing wide receivers when he has been on the field — he’s also second in the NFL among conerbacks with 7 penalties in 2025.
“Had the Saints kept Lattimore and tried to trade him this offseason, I’m guessing they wouldn’t have gotten nearly the same return because of his hamstring injury and the uptick in his salary from 2024 to 2025,” Walder wrote on October 21. “In retrospect, It’s hard to view this deal as anything but a pure win for New Orleans.”
Lattimore’s Struggles Have Been Well Documented
The real killer for the Commanders has been that, because of their initial investment in the trade, they were already low pot committed to have Lattimore on the roster in 2025. Which mean also having his $18 million salary on the books — an insane amount to pay for a player who produces as little as Lattimore.
According to Pro Football Focus, Lattimore has been one of the NFL’s worst cornerbacks in 2025 with a 44.0 overall grade — ranking him 107th out of 112 eligible players at his position.
It’s a steep fall from being a 4-time Pro Bowler with the Saints, an NFL All-Pro in 2019 and the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year.
Named One of NFL’s ‘Most Overpaid Players’
Bleacher Report’s Brad Gagnon called out Latimore as the “Most Overpaid Player” on the Commanders’ roster in 2025. His $18 million salary in 2025 is part of the $36.5 million he’s over the final 2 seasons of the 5-year, $97.6 million contract extension he signed with the Saints in September 2021.
“(Lattimore) didn’t suddenly get it back in a new setting down the stretch in 2024, and that’s unlikely to change as he hasn’t really been a reliable NFL presence since 2021,” Gagnon wrote. “The 28-year-old’s best days are far behind him, but he will cost Washington $18 million as the eighth-highest-paid cornerback in the league in 2025.”
Lattimore only played in 2 of a possible 8 regular-season games after the trade, but was on the roster for all 3 of Washington’s postseason games on the way to the franchise’s first NFC Championship Game appearance since 1991.
Lattimor was one of 3 high priced Pro Bowlers the Commanders traded for at the end of last season and the offseason, although none have produced much for the team yet — they also cut deals for Houston Texans left offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil ($21.2 million) and San Francisco 49ers wide receiver Deebo Samuel ($17 million).
BREAKING: Cody Barton Joins Panthers: A Bold Move for Carolina's Playoff Push
The Carolina Panthers have made a significant move in their quest for a playoff spot, acquiring linebacker Cody Barton from the Tennessee Titans. Announced on October 23, this trade marks a bold step forward for the Panthers, who are currently enjoying their first winning record under rookie quarterback Bryce Young. With the playoff race heating up, this trade signals that Carolina is looking to make a serious push for postseason contention.
A Much-Needed Addition to the Linebacker Corps
Cody Barton, 28, joined the Titans in the offseason with a three-year, $21 million contract. In his first season with Tennessee, Barton has already made a major impact with 42 tackles and 2 interceptions. With over 100 games played and 50 starts in his career, he brings valuable experience and leadership to a Panthers team that has struggled with depth at linebacker. The addition of Barton should help shore up a critical position for Carolina as they look to compete with the best teams in the NFC.
Panthers General Manager Dan Morgan recognized the need for an upgrade at linebacker and saw an opportunity to bolster the defense with Barton. The Titans, who are in the midst of a rebuilding phase, have made it clear that they are open to trading several players on their roster, and Barton has become a prime target. Despite only recently joining the Titans, his potential availability was too good to pass up for the Panthers.
A Strategic Investment
While acquiring Barton wasn’t cheap, it’s a strategic move that could pay off big for Carolina. Barton is under contract through the 2027 season, which means the Panthers will likely need to part with a valuable draft pick to make the deal happen. While projections estimate that Barton’s value could be a fourth-round pick, it’s expected that the Titans may hold out for a higher return. Nevertheless, the Panthers are clearly committed to making this investment to improve their defense and enhance their playoff chances.
Barton’s extensive experience in the league and his ability to lead from the linebacker position will be crucial for the Panthers as they continue to develop under Bryce Young. The presence of a proven playmaker like Barton should help stabilize a defense that has shown improvement this season but still has areas in need of strengthening.
As the Panthers prepare for their Week 8 showdown against the Buffalo Bills, they are counting on the immediate impact of Barton to help them in this crucial matchup. Facing off against a formidable opponent like the Bills, led by quarterback Josh Allen, will be a tough test for Carolina’s defense. However, with Barton now in the mix, the Panthers are hoping to tighten up their defensive game and put themselves in a strong position as the season enters its final stretch.
The addition of Cody Barton is more than just a roster move—it’s a clear statement that the Panthers are in playoff contention and ready to make a run. With a team now bolstered by a strong defensive leader and the continued growth of Bryce Young, Carolina is becoming a serious threat in the NFC. The question now is whether Barton’s leadership can help elevate the defense to the level needed to compete with the top-tier teams, but this trade certainly puts the Panthers on the map as one of the more dangerous teams heading into the postseason race.
