New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore is fanning the flames of his trade rumors. While the four-time Pro Bowler is still with New Orleans, reports across the league indicate that the Saints will try and deal him in the coming weeks. It started in January when Saints insider Nick Underhill suggested a trade, and General Manager Mickey Loomis alluded to a move just a few days ago. Now, Lattimore himself appears to be interested in finding a new team.
The official Bleacher Report Instagram account recently posted a slideshow of potential trades, with one of them involving Marshon Lattimore to the Houston Texans. The cornerback liked the post, implying he wants to play for C.J. Stroud’s Texans in the upcoming season.
Marshon Lattimore Likes Post About Potential Trade
If the Saints trade Marshon Lattimore, they’ll probably have to wait until after June 1st to do it. The cornerback currently carries a $14.6 million cap hit, but that number jumps to $31.28 million if they part ways with him before June 1st. However, if they wait until after June 1st, the team can spread his cap hit out over two seasons and save nearly $4 million in much-needed cap space. With this in mind, nobody should expect news to break any time soon.
However, the Houston Texans make perfect sense as a potential Marshon Lattimore trade destination. Led by C.J. Stroud, this team’s Super Bowl window is wide-open and Houston is looking to capitalize. The Texans went nuts in free agency and already acquired Stefon Diggs, but they could use another cornerback. Lattimore isn’t the player he once was, but the former first-round pick is still a quality starter who can slow down opposing passing attacks.
Of course, Houston won’t be the only team interested in a Marshon Lattimore trade. In today’s pass-heavy NFL, every team in the league is looking for players capable of slowing down opposing aerial attacks, and Lattimore is one of the best. While any team could be interested in the cornerback, these five make the most sense.
Other Potential Destinations
Kansas City Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs traded L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennesee Titans and have yet to find an adequate replacement. Perhaps the team believes Joshua Williams has what it takes to start, but they should consider a trade for Marshon Lattimore. This is a no-lose move, as there is no such thing as too many reliable cornerbacks. If Williams can handle the increased role, then the Chiefs will have three players capable of taking a receiver out of the play. If Williams is better off as a depth cornerback, then Lattimore can start and hold down his side of the field.
Los Angeles Chargers
The Chargers went crazy on offense during the 2024 NFL Draft and now must find adequate cornerbacks. While Los Angeles probably lacks the firepower to challenge Los Angeles for the AFC West crown, they could push for a playoff spot with improved coaching. Justin Herbert and Jim Harbaugh should be enough to secure the offensive side of the ball, and a trade for Marshon Lattimore should improve the defense’s ability to stay in games.
New England Patriots
The Patriots aren’t contenders, but they could still pursue a Marshon Lattimore trade. Christian Gonzalez looked like a stud during his truncated rookie season, but New England could use another starter. Nobody plays more man coverage than the Patriots, and you need strong cornerback play to pull off that type of scheme. With the offense likely to struggle, New England could use their defense to win games in 2024.
Carolina Panthers
Would the Saints ever trade Marshon Lattimore to a division rival? Probably not, but the Panthers still earn a spot on this list. Contract talks with Stephon Gilmore are reportedly going nowhere, so Carolina could pivot to the trade market to find more support in the secondary. Lattimore and Gilmore are similar players at this point in their respective careers and should fill the same role in this defense.
Washington Commanders
The Washington Commanders had the worst defense in the league by a wide margin last year. While the team addressed several needs in free agency, they could still benefit from a Marshon Lattimore trade. Defensive-minded head coach Dan Quinn will want to ease the burden on rookie quarterback Jayden Daniels, and the best way to do that is by ensuring he won’t have to throw the ball as often as Sam Howell did last year.
Main Photo: Troy Taormina – USA Today Sports
