NFL Insider Gives Positive Update on Commanders Star’s OTA Absence

Often, the word “voluntary” gets lost in the minds of NFL fans when it comes to the OTA season. The Washington Commanders’ situation with the star defensive back Marshon Lattimore has given fans a bit of a scare recently, as he remains away from the team at this stage of the offseason.

While it’s not a rare scenario for seasoned veterans to remain away from their team when attendance isn’t mandatory, high-profile absences always tend to suggest that a lack of presence might be financially motivated.

Is there a real cause for concern in this case? NFL Insider John Keim doesn’t believe it’s time to sound any alarms in Commander land.

During a recent rundown of all things Commanders on the ‘John Keim Report,’ Lattimore’s absence was acknowledged and discussed.

“I don’t think I’m worried just yet about Marshon Lattimore not being here, and I think a little bit too much is being made or worried about that,” Keim stated.

“I don’t think this is about a contract. This is what he did his last couple of years in New Orleans, so I think this is a continuation of what he’s done.”

The Commanders are going through their first offseason experience with Lattimore in the building. Last year, the NFL star was gearing up for another season with the New Orleans Saints at this point of the year.

After Lattimore appeared in seven games for the Saints, he was included in a trade to the Commanders, which netted the Saints a 2025 third-round pick, a 2025 fourth-round pick, and a 2025 sixth-round pick. The Commanders also landed a 2025 fifth-round pick, along with Lattimore, last November.

Lattimore played in just two regular-season games for the Commanders last year. Once he landed in Washington, he had to recover from a hamstring injury, which sidelined him for four weeks.

During Washington’s shocking run to the NFC Championship, Lattimore started all three games. He collected 15 tackles and broke up two passes before the Commanders were stopped short by the Philadelphia Eagles before the Super Bowl.

Washington has high hopes for its midseason trade acquisition heading into a critical season. The 29-year-old is currently in the midst of a five-year deal he signed with the Saints.

The veteran corner wouldn’t hit free agency until 2027. So far, there hasn’t been any indication that Lattimore is on the hunt for a new deal. June 10 will be a key date to watch, as the Commanders are expected to meet for mandatory minicamp.