Who is the Commanders' make-or-break player for 2025?
Who is the Washington Commanders' make-or-break player for 2025? Obviously, quarterback Jayden Daniels tops any of these lists. He's Washington's best player and most important player.
However, Pro Football Focus believes veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore is Washington's make-or-break player for 2025.
Washington's cornerbacks ranked dead last in the NFL in PFF coverage grade last season. The team traded for Marshon Lattimore during the year to help the cause, but he appeared in just five games for the Commanders due to a hamstring injury and earned a poor 40.7 PFF coverage grade.
The team needs Lattimore to return to a high level, and he needs to play better to extend his career, as he has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this season.
PFF isn't the first to label Lattimore either as a make-or-break player or X-factor for next season. It's legitimate. A healthy Lattimore who can play to his previous level for an entire season would be a massive lift for Washington's defense. Lattimore is a four-time former Pro Bowler who has always been a CB1. He's now healthy.
General manager Adam Peters expressed confidence in Lattimore throughout the offseason. When they acquired him at last season's trade deadline, Peters and the Commanders said it was for more than just the remainder of the 2024 season. Washington wanted Lattimore because he had two more seasons remaining on his contract.
The Commanders used a second-round pick on cornerback Trey Amos in the 2025 NFL draft. From all indications, Amos thrived during offseason work and in the minicamp. A healthy Lattimore allows Washington to take it slow with Amos. Remember, the Commanders also signed versatile veteran Jonathan Jones and brought back Noah Igbinoghene. Then there is Mike Sainristil, last season's prized rookie.
So, while Washington has more depth in case Lattimore doesn't return to his previous form, a healthy Lattimore could be a game-changer for the defense. As for Lattimore personally, he knows his career is at a crossroads entering Year 9.
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