Washington Commanders cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a player once celebrated for his lockdown skills and Pro Bowl pedigree, now finds himself facing another off-field challenge after being arrested on weapons charges in Lakewood, Ohio, on January 7, 2026. The incident, which unfolded just outside his hometown of Cleveland, has cast a shadow over the veteran defender's future in the NFL and reignited questions about his off-field decision-making.
According to Lakewood police records, Lattimore was taken into custody at approximately 6:15 p.m. following a routine traffic stop. Officers had pulled over the vehicle in which Lattimore was a passenger due to expired license plates and other unspecified traffic violations. During the stop, officers discovered that Lattimore, 29, failed to inform them about a firearm inside the vehicle when asked—a legal requirement in Ohio. Police identified the weapon as a 9mm Glock, which was entered into evidence.
Lattimore was charged with carrying concealed weapons and improperly handling firearms in a motor vehicle. He was briefly booked into jail but released without bond later that evening. The investigation remains ongoing and, as of Friday evening, Lakewood Police have not released further details, with the case now under review by the local prosecutor. "This is an ongoing investigation currently being reviewed by the prosecutor," Lakewood Police Lt. Gary Stone told reporters, echoing the uncertainty surrounding Lattimore's immediate legal future.
The Washington Commanders swiftly acknowledged the situation, issuing a statement: "We have been made aware of the arrest and are gathering more information. We are in communication with the NFL League Office and have no further comment at this time." The NFL itself has yet to issue a public response, but league disciplinary action could loom depending on the outcome of the investigation.
This is not the first time Lattimore has encountered legal trouble involving firearms. In March 2021, while still a member of the New Orleans Saints, he was arrested in Cleveland after being found in possession of a loaded handgun that was believed to be stolen. Although initially charged with a felony for receiving a stolen firearm, that charge was dismissed. Lattimore instead pleaded guilty to a misdemeanor—failing to promptly inform officers he had a handgun despite possessing a concealed carry permit. He received a suspended sentence, one year of non-reporting probation, and was fined $1,000. His attorney at the time, Marcus Sidoti, emphasized that Lattimore did not know the weapon had been reported stolen.
For Lattimore, this latest arrest could have significant career ramifications. After being traded from the Saints to the Commanders in November 2024—a move that initially drew praise for Washington's front office—his tenure in D.C. has been marked by injury and inconsistency. Lattimore missed the first four games after the trade due to injury and ultimately played in just two regular-season games last year. This season, he appeared in nine games before suffering a torn ACL in Week 9, landing him on season-ending injured reserve. He recorded 27 combined tackles, seven passes defensed, and one interception before the injury, according to team and league statistics. Some sources cite 31 tackles (19 solo), 10 pass deflections, and 1.5 stuffs over 11 games, reflecting minor discrepancies in official tallies, but all agree his on-field impact was diminished by health setbacks.
Prior to joining Washington, Lattimore was a cornerstone of the New Orleans secondary, earning four Pro Bowl selections and the 2017 NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award. Over his 97 games with the Saints, he amassed 405 tackles, 88 passes defensed, and 15 interceptions, establishing himself as one of the league's premier cornerbacks. He was drafted No. 11 overall out of Ohio State in 2017, where he had starred as a first-team All-Big Ten selection after a standout high school career at Cleveland's Glenville High School.
Yet, Lattimore's time in Washington has been anything but smooth. The Commanders, who can save $18.5 million by releasing him before or after June 1 due to the lack of guaranteed money on the final year of his contract, were already rumored to be considering moving on from the veteran. Now, with the arrest hanging over his head and his 30th birthday approaching in May, the odds of Lattimore returning to the Commanders' secondary appear slim. As one league observer put it, "This essentially seals his fate."
Team insiders and analysts have also pointed to Lattimore's on-field demeanor and attitude as potential sticking points. Some questioned the wisdom of acquiring him in the first place, especially given his injury history and what was described as a "hot-headed attitude and pure desire for conflict." While his talent is undeniable, the combination of legal trouble, injury, and contract realities may prove too much for the Commanders' new regime to overlook.
Meanwhile, Lattimore's legal team has yet to comment publicly on the latest charges, and phone messages left with his representatives have gone unanswered. The Commanders, for their part, are staying tight-lipped, with all inquiries redirected to their brief statement and the ongoing investigation.
For fans in Cleveland, where Lattimore's football journey began, and in New Orleans, where he became a star, the news is disappointing. It's a stark reminder of how quickly fortunes can change in the NFL, where off-field decisions can have as much impact as anything that happens between the lines. Lattimore's story, once one of local-kid-makes-good, now hangs in the balance as he faces both legal and professional uncertainty.
As of Friday evening, the Commanders and the NFL continue to monitor the situation, with no official word on Lattimore's roster status or any potential league discipline. The legal process will play out in the coming weeks, and only then will the full ramifications for Lattimore's career become clear. For now, the veteran cornerback remains under contract, but his future in Washington—and perhaps the NFL at large—has never looked more uncertain.
One thing is for sure: all eyes will be on Lakewood and the Commanders' front office as the story develops. Will Lattimore get another shot to revive his career, or is this the final chapter in what was once one of the league's most promising defensive careers? Stay tuned.
