Washington’s commanders pressed the button. After an impressive 7-2 start to the season, the club decided to make a big trade to ensure they could continue competing at a high level heading into the second half of their schedule.

After posting a 4-13 record a season ago, the Commanders added head coach Dan Quinn and selected LSU quarterback Jayden Daniels second overall in the draft, leading to a major change in culture within the franchise.

Leading the NFC East heading into the trade deadline, it made sense for Washington to get aggressive and solidify their status as a contending team.

With some holes on the roster (which makes sense after having a four-win team last year), the Commanders’ secondary needed a boost. They got just that when general manager Adam Peters traded for the New Orleans Saints cornerback. Marshon Lattimore.

“New Orleans sends four-time Pro-Bowl CB Marshon Lattimore to Washington Commanders,” ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported.

The compensation Washington sent to the Saints in exchange for the four-time Pro Bowl defensive back was not initially reported, although there was a known bidding war with some teams. Schefter later reported on the draft picks involved in the trade.

The Commanders sent a third-round pick, a fourth-round pick and their own sixth-round pick in exchange for Lattimore and a fifth-round pick.

One thing is known after the trade: the club has full confidence in Daniels in his rookie season and is moving toward contention while it has the opportunity to do so.

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• The Commanders remain atop the NFC East Division

• The Commanders Defeat the Giants and Complete the Season Series Sweep

• Jayden Daniels and Terry McLaurin connect for scores against the Giants

• ‘Real contender’… Commanders fight with Chiefs for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore in trade