The Dallas Cowboys have more work to do this offseason if they want to return to contention, particularly on the defensive side of the ball. Cornerback is arguably at the top of the list of outstanding needs, though risky veterans like Marshon Lattimore are among the free-agent options still available.
Lattimore is the most accomplished name on the board (outside of maybe ex-Cowboy Trevon Diggs). Dallas owner and general manager Jerry Jones' eyes usually light up when a grizzled player is up for grabs. However, it'd probably be in the club's best interest to look elsewhere for secondary help.
Add us as a preferred source on GoogleAs the Washington Commanders learned the hard way, Lattimore is no longer the star he once was — and is quite far from that, actually. The Cowboys should avoid making the same mistake their NFC East foe did by acquiring him in November 2024, which ended with his release.
The Dallas Cowboys would be wise to steer clear of free-agent CB Marshon Lattimore
Washington sent 2025 third-, fourth-, and sixth-round picks to the New Orleans Saints in exchange for Lattimore and a fifth-round selection. Roughly 16 months later, the Commanders cut him to save $18.5 million in salary cap space. Talk about a painful fall from grace.
Yes, as the saying goes. one man's trash is another man's treasure. Yet, that doesn't mean the Cowboys have to go dumpster diving. If Lattimore couldn't be the missing piece in Washington, why should we expect that to change in Dallas?
You can argue a change of scenery can help Lattimore. Yet, his efforts with the Commanders (or lack thereof) suggest this is more about physical decline than environmental concerns. Opponents picked on the four-time Pro Bowler when he wasn't in and out of the lineup during his brief stint in Washington, D.C.
Here's where Lattimore ranked in the following metrics among 164 corners with at least 50 coverage snaps in 2025 (h/t Pro Football Focus):
- 134th in yards per reception allowed (14.3)
- 157th in average depth of target (15.8 yards)
- 94th in missed tackle rate (10.5 percent)
Not great, Bob! Lattimore has clearly lost a step, and the rest of the NFL has ostensibly taken notice. Rival play-callers and quarterbacks are willingly challenging him on deep balls, which wouldn't fly in his heyday.
Oh, and to make matters worse, Lattimore's currently recovering from a torn ACL in the middle of this past season. He was also arrested in January for "improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle."
Dallas would be wise to steer clear.