NFL players skipping voluntary offseason work is not a concern. It’s every player’s right to skip offseason workouts, including OTAs, as long as they remain in shape and report to the team for mandatory activities. While most players attend all offseason work, there are exceptions. Often, those exceptions are contract-related.
The Washington Commanders have been without three players since Phase 3 of the offseason program began: wide receiver Terry McLaurin, offensive tackle Laremy Tunsil and cornerback Marshon Lattimore. McLaurin’s absence is contract-related, but he was with the team throughout the offseason program in Phases 1 and 2. The Commanders and McLaurin are on the same page.
Tunsil, acquired in a March trade, has two years remaining on his contract and would like a new deal. It’s uncertain if Washington will extend Tunsil anytime soon, but his absence is not necessarily due to unhappiness with his contract. Tunsil skipped some voluntary work when he was with the Texans. He’ll be fine.
Then there is Lattimore.
Acquired in a midseason trade with the New Orleans Saints, Lattimore only played in two regular-season games after the trade due to a hamstring injury. The Commanders knew Lattimore was dealing with the injury before the trade. What made the four-time Pro Bowl corner the perfect trade candidate is that he could help Washington during its playoff run last season and also had two years remaining on his contract.
When Lattimore did play last season, he struggled. Don’t judge too harshly, though. Not only was he dealing with a nagging hamstring injury, but he also switched teams. In addition to a new defensive scheme, new teammates, and new coaches, Lattimore was switching routines in a new city. He had spent all seven-and-a-half seasons of his NFL career with New Orleans.
So, it would make sense if Lattimore was with the Commanders this spring, right? Well, not only is Lattimore skipping Phase 3 (OTAs), it doesn’t sound like he’s been around at all this offseason.
Defensive coordinator Joe Whitt Jr. spoke to the media Wednesday and was asked about Lattimore.
“Marshon hasn’t been here,” Whitt said. “We’ve been in communication with him, so when he gets here, we’ll see exactly where he is from a conditioning standpoint. From a mental standpoint, the coaches that have been meeting with him, talking with him. And so, he’s a smart young man, but we’ll see exactly where he is when he gets here.”
Head coach Dan Quinn said last week the team had been in contact with each of the three players missing OTAs, and there were no concerns. He’s right.
But what happens if Lattimore shows up in training camp and last season’s struggles continue? That will be an issue. General manager Adam Peters and Quinn have repeatedly expressed confidence that Lattimore will return to his previous form. What if he doesn’t? Even if Lattimore gets off to a slow start, there will be questions.
It’s unknown if his absence is also contract-related. He has little guaranteed money remaining on the two years he has left. Washington isn’t about to offer him an extension based on what it saw last season.
Ideally, Lattimore would be with the team this spring. He’s not. For now, it’s not a big deal. There will be a lot of pressure on Lattimore once he arrives.
This article originally appeared on Commanders Wire: Commanders’ CB Marshon Lattimore’s absence this spring is concerning