The New Orleans Saints season is spinning out of control, and one more loss could lead to a Marshon Lattimore trade. After starting the season with two of the most dominant wins you’ll ever see, New Orleans is in the midst of a six-game losing streak that has effectively ended their season. With a playoff appearance becoming less and less likely, head coach Dennis Allen said the Saints are “not in sell mode.” For the time being, they’re trying to compete and fight for their first postseason birth since the Drew Brees days.
However, Allen could change his tone if the Saints lose to the lowly Carolina Panthers on Sunday. New Orleans believes that a healthy version of this team can compete, and that theory will be put to the test on Sunday. Quarterback Derek Carr should make his long-awaited return, sending fifth-round pick Spencer Rattler to the bench while opening up the playbook. If the Saints win, they’ll keep trying to win a weak NFC South. If they lose, however, they could accept their fate and trade star cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the highest bidder.
Saints Could Trade Marshon Lattimore If They Lose to Carolina Panthers
The Baltimore Ravens addressed their concerns at wide receiver with the Diontae Johnson trade, landing a reliable playmaker while giving up effectively no draft capital for his services. With the offensive side of the ball addressed, Baltimore could turn their attention to the defense. With Marlon Humphrey and first-round pick Nate Wiggins battling injury, a Marshon Lattimore trade could provide some much-needed security for a defense that ranks surprisingly low in EPA/play allowed.
Week 8’s loss to the Cleveland Browns showed what can happen when Baltimore faces off against an opponent with a reliable quarterback. Taking over for an injured Deshaun Watson, Jameis Winston showed why he should have been Cleveland’s Week 1 starter. While the former first-overall pick played like a star, the Ravens defense should have put up more of a fight. Humphrey’s return will help, but Wiggins has struggled to adjust to NFL life. Executing a Marshon Lattimore trade will give Baltimore a much-needed boost in the secondary while easing the pressure on their first-round pick.
All-In Chiefs
The Kansas City Chiefs are not shying away from the challenge of becoming the first team to win three Super Bowls in as many seasons. Despite their pristine 7-0 record, the Chiefs know they have holes on their roster. They addressed wide receiver with the DeAndre Hopkins trade and pass rusher by landing Josh Uche, but now it’s time to fix the cornerback position. Trent McDuffie remains one of the top players at his position, but the Chiefs should trade for someone like Marshon Lattimore to stabilize the other sideline.
With L’Jarius Sneed in Tennessee, former fourth-round pick Jaylen Watson became an above-average starter. Unfortunately, the Chiefs will be without his services for the remainder of the year, as Watson suffered a season-ending injury. With no other proven starters on the roster, Kansas City should trade for Marshon Lattimore. This passing attack isn’t as unstoppable as usual, so the Chiefs will need the defense to hold up their end of the bargain as they try to secure the top seed in the AFC playoff picture.
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