The Los Angeles Chargers have put themselves in a position for great success in 2025, looking to build upon a successful 2024 season that saw them return to the playoffs.
Jim Harbaugh will be looking to take the next step with this squad this coming season and a strong draft class should only help his cause. But if there is one area where the team may need to look at its overall talent, it might be at cornerback.
After choosing not to re-sign free agents Asante Samuel Jr. and Kristian Fulton this offseason, the team instead brought in free agents Donte Jackson and Benjamin St-Juste. Neither of those signings was met with a ton of excitement from Chargers fans, and it could lead to second-year players Cam Hart and Tarheeb Still having a ton of pressure placed on them this season.
Should the team consider a veteran option?
Nate Davis of USA TODAY, while discussing players who could be deemed expendable following the NFL draft, mentioned Marshon Lattimore of the Washington Commanders.
"He arrived at moderate cost before last season’s trade deadline. But Lattimore’s inability to stay on the field followed him from New Orleans to the nation’s capital – the four-time Pro Bowler has played in 26 regular-season games over the past three seasons and missed 25. With Trey Amos obtained in the second round, Washington could save a good chunk of change if it parts with Lattimore at some point before his contract expires in two years", wrote Davis.
The Commanders moving on from Lattimore would make sense. He was obtained from the New Orleans Saints ahead of last year's trade deadline along with a fifth-round pick in exchange for the Commanders' third, fourth and sixth-round selections. The Commanders were positioning themselves for a playoff run, but they probably played better without Lattimore than they did with him.
After arriving in the nation's capital, Lattimore played in just two games for the team. Anthony Palacios of Last Word on Sports feels that the Chargers should take a shot on acquiring him from Washington.
"There’s a chance the Los Angeles Chargers might not be done adding more talent to their uprising roster. Despite signing Donte Jackson as a replacement for Kristian Fulton, the Chargers could use a veteran like Lattimore to help second-year Cam Hart. The team did well re-signing Elijah Molden, but the safety unit won’t be enough to save the pass secondary, so Lattimore could easily fill the hole", wrote Palacios.
Lattimore was once considered one of the best corners in the league and has been selected to the Pro Bowl four times. However, injuries have limited him to just 26 games across the last three seasons, so the Chargers could be getting damaged goods.
There would be a place for him in the secondary, but staying healthy would be key. The team would also have to absorb the final two years of his contract, which total $36.5 million. That would be a risky move, so unless the Commanders are willing to deal him for no more than a sixth-round pick, it's probably not something the team would consider.
MORE CHARGERS CONTENT
Jim Harbaugh reveals massive plans for quarterback Justin Herbert
Chargers former first-round pick given crystal clear message with recent decision
Chargers advised to trade former first-round pick following most recent draft results
Chargers predicted to trade for tight end after surprising first-round pick by NFC team
Chargers replace Khalil Mack in early 2026 mock draft prediction