The Washington Commanders' trade for Marshon Lattimore wasn't the result of general manager Adam Peters picking up the phone the day of the trade deadline and making an offer to the New Orleans Saints. It was a moment months in the making with several departments, from pro scouting to research and development, canvassing the league to see which players might be the right fit for the team's culture.
They determined that Lattimore did indeed match the Commanders' preferred qualities, but all that research doesn't matter if the in-person interaction doesn't match it. Lattimore quickly confirmed Peters' belief that what they had given up acquiring the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback was worth it.
"He's what we thought he was as a person, as a competitor," Peters told the media.
There weren't many outside of the Commanders' building who believed they had a chance of making noise in 2024, but that's exactly what happened with them starting 7-2 for the first time since 1996. Building for the future remains the priority, but it's clear Washington has the chance to make a push for the playoffs and beyond now. The Commanders believe acquiring Lattimore allows them to do both.
"We're really, really excited to get one of the best corners in the entire league," Peters said.
It wasn't always a sure thing that Lattimore would be available at the trade deadline, especially at the beginning of the season. The Saints, who started the season 2-0, were certainly not interested in moving one of the best cornerbacks over the last eight years. But the Saints' situation changed dramatically after their Week 2 blowout win over the Dallas Cowboys. They went on to lose their next seven games, and head coach Dennis Allen was fired following their 23-22 loss to the Carolina Panthers.
Even though the Peters and the Commanders weren't always sure Lattimore would be available, they did their research just in case to make sure they were ready to make an offer. Peters' staff had to check off a number of qualifications when it came to vetting Lattimore, from scheme fit to whether he could gel with the rest of the roster.
There wasn't much concern about whether the Commanders could use Lattimore's skill set. As a defensive mind as well as someone who has coached against him, coach Dan Quinn knows that Lattimore can line up and succeed at any spot in the secondary, whether it's on the right, left or in the slot. Quinn said Lattimore can play in a man coverage or zone scheme, but the 2017 first-round draft pick does particularly well in the former, as he hasn't allowed a touchdown in single coverage since 2021.
"You gotta be a smart guy to be able to do that," Quinn said. "He's shown over the course of his career the ability to play inside and outside and staying connected to receivers. That's the name of the game. He's able to play it tight; he's a good tackler, so we're pumped we got him."
Peters added to that by saying Lattimore "fits in any defense."
"He's a really, really smart player. Really instinctive player. He's physical, and those are things we're looking for."
Determining whether Lattimore would fit into the Commanders' new culture was another part of the decision and a factor Quinn said Peters was "very mindful" of deciding whether to make the deal. Though still in its infancy, He and Peters have established an atmosphere that revolves around tough, physical, competitive unselfish players who are willing to do whatever necessary to help the team rather than themselves.
Lattimore checked that box as well, partly because former Ohio State teammates like Terry McLaurin vouched for him. Peters said McLaurin called Lattimore "a dog competitor," and prior to a previous matchup with the Saints, McLaurin said Lattimore "has that alpha mentality. He wants the smoke every time."
Players like that, Peters said, will fit in any locker room.
"They don't always come available, so we were excited that he was."
And Quinn didn't waste any time making sure that Lattimore knew he was now part of a team where his teammates would help lift him up and expected him to do the same. Quinn wants to make sure that any player they bring in feels like they're part of something unique, which is why he introduced Lattimore during the Commanders' team meeting.
"I told him today in front of the team, 'You can ask anybody here, man. We're all here to help and support you and onboard you fast,'" Quinn said. "That means rookies or a vet. We're all on the same page here."
It all came down to draft compensation after that, and a 2025 third-, fourth- and sixth-round pick is a steep price, particularly for an organization that values its draft picks and wants to build their future with them. Fortunately, Washington had a surplus after trading away Jahan Dotson to the Philadelphia Eagles and John Ridgeway to the Saints.
Check out the top photos of newly-acquired Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore. (Photos via The Associated Press)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts as he poses for a picture as he stretches prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) goes for a pass in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Jason Behnken)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) looks on during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) runs after the catch in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) and wide receiver Simi Fehoko (87) block New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) downfield during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024, in Inglewood, Calif. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Cooper Neill via AP)
Los Angeles Chargers wide receiver Ladd McConkey (15) carries on a pass reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, safety Jordan Howden (31) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) in the first half of an NFL football game in Inglewood, Calif., Sunday, Oct. 27, 2024. (AP Photo/Ryan Sun)
Seattle Seahawks wide receiver DK Metcalf, left, is covered by New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore durring an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Seattle. The Saints won 13-10. (AP Photo/Stephen Brashear)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up in the secondary during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up in the secondary during an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs with the ball during warm-ups prior to an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos, Thursday, October 17, 2024, in New Orleans. The Broncos defeated the Saints 33-10. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints safety Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) celebrates with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. The Dolphins defeated the Saints, 20-3. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) looks on during the NFC championship NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams on Sunday, Jan. 20, 2019, in New Orleans. The Rams defeated the Saints, 26-23. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts as a play develops during the second half of an NFL football game against the Tennessee Titans in Nashville, Tenn., Sunday, Nov. 14, 2021. The Titans defeated the Saints 21-23. (AP Photo/Gary McCullough)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) can't hang onto a pass from quarterback Jameis Winston after getting past New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Dec. 31, 2017, in Tampa, Fla. (AP Photo/Steve Nesius)
Washington Football Team wide receiver Terry McLaurin (17) has a pass broken up by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 10, 2021, in Landover, Md. (AP Photo/Terrance Williams)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Adam Thielen (19) runs a pass route against Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL wild-card playoff football game against the New Orleans Saints, Sunday, Jan. 5, 2020, in New Orleans. The Vikings beat the Saints 26-20. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) catches a pass during warm-ups prior to an NFL game against the Buffalo Bills, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021, in New Orleans. The Bills defeated the Saints 36-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) jumps in the air as he reaches to intercept the football while Chicago Bears wide receiver Anthony Miller (17) defends during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 20, 2019 in Chicago. The Saints defeated the Bears 36-25. (Scott Boehm via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Sunday, Aug. 18, 2019 in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers 19-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Robby Anderson (11) carries on a pass reception against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 2, 2022. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during a week 17 NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers on Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018 in New Orleans. Carolina won 33-14. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles tight end Zach Ertz (86) during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) takes a defensive position during an NFL game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts 34-7. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) after a catch during an NFL football game, Thursday, Dec. 2, 2021, in New Orleans. Dallas won 27-17. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Ohio Sate cornerback Marshon Lattimore poses after being selected by the New Orleans Saints during the 2017 NFL Draft on Thursday, April 27, 2017 in Philadelphia. (Ben Liebenberg via AP)
New Orleans Saints free safety Marcus Williams (43) grabs an interception s the ball lands on the back of cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) as outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) comes in to assist in the first half of an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 24, 2017. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends New York Giants wide receiver Kenny Golladay (19) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 3, 2021, in New Orleans. The Giants defeated the Saints, 27-21. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine, left, is stopped by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the first half of an NFL football game Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. (AP Photo/Charlie Riedel)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, top, breaks up a pass intended for Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans (13) during the first half of an NFL divisional round playoff football game, Sunday, Jan. 17, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates a defensive touchdown during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Sunday Sept. 22, 2019 in Seattle. The Saints defeated the Saints 33-27. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Indianapolis Colts, Monday, Dec. 16, 2019, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Colts, 34-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs with the ball after a turnover during an NFL football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars, Thursday, Oct. 19, 2023, in New Orleans. The Jaguars defeated the Saints 31-24. (Margaret Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during a regular season Week 9 NFL football game between the Los Angeles Rams and the New Orleans Saints in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 4, 2018. The Saints beat the Rams 45-35. (Matt Patterson via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore (23) runs back a fumble recovery during the first half of the team's preseason NFL football game against the New York Jets on Saturday, Aug. 24, 2019, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Noah K. Murray)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. Miami won 20-3. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Allen Lazard (13) is tackled by New Orleans Saints strong safety Malcolm Jenkins (27) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore in the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) waits for the snap during an NFL football game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 in New Orleans. The Saints won the game, 20-12. (Greg Trott via AP)
Denver Broncos quarterback Bo Nix (10) dives with the ball against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024, in New Orleans. (Michael Owens via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) is tackled by New Orleans Saints safety Johnathan Abram (24) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Sterling Shepard (17) runs against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and cornerback Alontae Taylor (1) during the second half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024. (AP Photo/Michael Conroy)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up before the snap during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs onto the field during player introductions before an NFL football game against the Denver Broncos in New Orleans, Thursday, Oct. 17, 2024. The Broncos won 33-10. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends in coverage during an NFL football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024, in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (Cooper Neill via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine (34) during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints, 26-13. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers running back Sean Tucker (44) scores on a 5-yard run in the fourth quarter as New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) gives chase during the NFL game on Sunday, Oct. 13, 2024 in New Orleans. (Michael DeMocker/ NFL LCC)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Atlanta Falcons, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (Logan Bowles via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) tackles Kansas City Chiefs running back Samaje Perine, with ball, during the first half of an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints, 26-13. (AP Photo/Reed Hoffmann)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) pushes Kansas City Chiefs wide receiver Xavier Worthy (1) out of bounds during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and linebacker Pete Werner (20) react to a play during an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) gets set on defense against the Kansas City Chiefs during an NFL football game, Monday, Oct. 7, 2024 in Kansas City, Mo. The Chiefs defeated the Saints 26-13. (G. Newman Lowrance via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Atlanta Falcons place kicker Younghoe Koo (6) during the first half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Sept. 29, 2024, in Atlanta. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
FILE - New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) warms up before an NFL football game against the Carolina Panthers in New Orleans, Sept. 8, 2024. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert, File)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) runs onto the field during pre-game introductions before an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 22, 2024. The Eagles won 15-12. (AP Photo/Gerald Herbert)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) positions for a play during an NFL football game against the New England Patriots, Sunday, Oct. 8, 2023 in Foxborough, Mass. The Saints defeated the Patriots 34-0. (Damian Strohmeyer via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) warms up before an NFL preseason football game against the Jacksonville Jaguars Thursday, Aug. 9, 2018, in Jacksonville, Fla. (AP Photo/Phelan M. Ebenhack)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL regular season football game against the Atlanta Falcons on Thursday, Dec. 7, 2017 in Atlanta. The Falcons won, 20-17. (Ric Tapia via AP)
Atlanta Falcons running back Devonta Freeman (24) is tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and strong safety Vonn Bell (24) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 10, 2019. (AP Photo/Rusty Costanza)
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Stefon Diggs (14) against the New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Oct. 28, 2018, in Minneapolis. (AP Photo/Andy Clayton-King)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates his inteception with teammates in the first half of an NFL football game against the Philadelphia Eagles in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Las Vegas Raiders, Monday, Sept. 21, 2020, in Las Vegas. The Raiders defeated the Saints, 34-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after intercepting a pass against the Philadelphia Eagles during an NFL divisional football playoff game in New Orleans, Sunday, Jan. 13, 2019. (Rick Scuteri via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) pursues the ball carrier during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 27-9. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Atlanta Falcons wide receiver Russell Gage (14) works against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game, Sunday, Jan. 9, 2022, in Atlanta. The New Orleans Saints won 30-20. (AP Photo/Danny Karnik)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL regular season game against the Chicago Bears on Sunday, Oct. 29, 2017 in New Orleans. The Saints won, 20-12. (Ric Tapia via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends in coverage during an NFL preseason football game against the Kansas City Chiefs, Sunday, Aug. 13, 2023, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Chiefs, 26-24. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers Jordy Nelson (87) can't make this catch during an NFL football game as New Orleans Saints defensive backs Marshon Lattimore (23) and Ken Crawley (20) defend on Sunday, Oct. 22, 2017 in Green Bay, Wisc. The Saints won the game, 26-17. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore pulls in an interception on a pass intended for Philadelphia Eagles wide receiver Nelson Agholor (13) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 18, 2018. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) scrambles in the open field during an NFL football game against the Bengals, played in Cincinnati, Oh, Sunday, Nov. 11, 2018. (AP Photo/Bryan Woolston)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the second half of an NFL football game against the Dallas Cowboys, in Arlington, Texas, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018. (AP Photo/Roger Steinman)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Chauncey Gardner-Johnson (22) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate a defensive stop in the first half of an NFL football game against the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 31, 2021. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Houston Texans wide receiver Jaelen Strong (11) in the first half of a preseason NFL football game in New Orleans, Saturday, Aug. 26, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) reacts between plays in the second half of an NFL football game against the Arizona Cardinals in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 27, 2019. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
Philadelphia Eagles' Alshon Jeffery (17) in action against New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 13, 2020, in Philadelphia. (AP Photo/Rich Schultz)
New Orleans Saints' Marshon Lattimore during the second half of an NFL football game against the New York Jets, Sunday, Dec. 12, 2021, in East Rutherford, N.J. (AP Photo/Matt Rourke)
New Orleans Saints defensive end Cameron Jordan (94), defensive tackle Shy Tuttle (99), and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate after a play during an NFL football game against the Miami Dolphins, Monday, Dec. 27, 2021, in New Orleans. (AP Photo/Tyler Kaufman)
Green Bay Packers wide receiver Romeo Doubs is pushed out of bounds by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore on a pass reception during the first half of an NFL football game Sunday, Sept. 24, 2023, in Green Bay, Wis. (AP Photo/Morry Gash)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) hypes up the crowd during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Vonn Bell (24) and cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrate during an NFL preseason football game against the Los Angeles Chargers, Saturday, Aug. 25, 2018, in Carson, Calif. The Saints defeated the Chargers, 36-7. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Carolina Panthers wide receiver Russell Shepard (19) against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Tampa Bay Buccaneers wide receiver Tyler Johnson (18) runs upfield and tackled by New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game, Sunday, Dec. 19, 2021, in Tampa, Fla. The Saints won 9-0. (Perry Knotts via AP)
Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Antonio Brown (84) catches the ball in front of New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game on Sunday, Dec. 23, 2018 in New Orleans. New Orleans won 31-28. (Peter Read Miller via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in coverage during an NFL football game against the Seattle Seahawks, Monday, Oct. 25, 2021, in Seattle. New Orleans won 13-10. (Aaron M. Sprecher via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for Washington Redskins wide receiver Josh Doctson (18) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Nov. 19, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) breaks up a pass intended for New England Patriots wide receiver Brandin Cooks in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 17, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
Dallas Cowboys running back Ezekiel Elliott (21) runs the football against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during an NFL football game on Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018, in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Saints, 13-10. (Ryan Kang via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) celebrates after a play during an NFL football NFC wild card playoff game against the Carolina Panthers, Sunday, Jan. 7, 2018, in New Orleans. The Saints defeated the Panthers, 31-26. (Ryan Kang via AP)
Green Bay Packers running back Aaron Jones carries against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Sept. 27, 2020. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) catches a warm up ball during a NFL football game against the Los Angeles Rams, Sunday, Sept. 15, 2019 in Los Angeles. The Rams won the game 27-9. (Paul Jasienski via AP)
Carolina Panthers running back Cameron Artis-Payne (34) crosses the goal line against New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) on a tcoudhown carry in the first half of an NFL football game in New Orleans, Sunday, Dec. 30, 2018. (AP Photo/Bill Feig)
New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the Los Angeles Chargers on Sunday, Aug. 20, 2017 in Carson, Calif. The Saints won the game, 13-7. (Greg Trott via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) is called for pass interference on Dallas Cowboys receiver Amari Cooper (19) in the end zone during a 2018 NFL week 13 regular season game, Thursday, Nov. 29, 2018 in Arlington, Texas. The Cowboys defeated the Saints, 13-10. (James D. Smith via AP)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) lines up for a play in the first half of an NFL football game against the Buffalo Bills in New Orleans, Thursday, Nov. 25, 2021. (AP Photo/Derick Hingle)
New Orleans Saints outside linebacker Craig Robertson (52) celebrates his fumble recovery with cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) in the first half of an NFL football game against the Detroit Lions in New Orleans, Sunday, Oct. 15, 2017. (AP Photo/Butch Dill)
New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) defends during an NFL football game against the San Francisco 49ers, Sunday, Dec. 8, 2019, in New Orleans. The 49ers defeated the Saints, 48-46. (Ryan Kang via AP)
NFC cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) of the New Orleans Saints is seen during the NFL Pro Bowl football game, Sunday, February 6, 2022, in Las Vegas. (Gregory Payan/AP Images for NFL)
The Commanders also looked to their future to determine whether they should make the move. Some of their cornerbacks are set to hit free agency next March, so they knew they would need to either re-sign one of those players, use a draft pick to address the position or sign a free agent. They had to weigh whether Lattimore was better or easier to get than gambling on any of those options.
Clearly, they decided that using their surplus of picks to get a top-tier cornerback that still had two years left under contract was the smarter play.
"You're always trying to just do whatever you can to make your team better looking down every avenue," Peters said. "Regardless of your record, if you can acquire a really, really good player...and you think it's the right move for your team, then you do it."
At 7-2, the Commanders are in a position where they can make a calculated gamble on a player with a proven resume. They're sitting atop the NFC East with a 2-0 division record, and adding a player like Lattimore not only addresses depth at a position of need, but it can also change the way they run their defense. Quinn wouldn't offer much in terms of their plans, but he did admit "you're barking up the right tree" when asked about whether Lattimore allows them to do things they couldn't in the first nine weeks.
Regardless of how they use Lattimore, the move is a clear sign the Commanders are taking a shot at competing now.
"I'd say, 'You had me at hello,'" Quinn said. "This was easy, man, to get and acquire a player of Marshon's caliber."
