New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been at the center of trade rumors for months, and with the regular season approaching, the speculation is intensifying. A four-time Pro Bowler, Lattimore may not be in his prime but remains one of the better cornerbacks in the NFL. Alongside Paulson Adebo and second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry, the Saints boast one of the league’s deepest cornerback groups.
This depth could lead the cash-strapped Saints to trade Lattimore during the season. In a recent piece, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report suggested the Jacksonville Jaguars as a potential trade partner, predicting the Saints could land a third-round pick in exchange for the veteran cornerback.
Jaguars, Saints Could Strike a Deal for Marshon Lattimore
Last year, many expected the Jacksonville Jaguars to dominate the AFC South, especially after Trevor Lawrence’s stellar performance in the playoffs. However, they finished with a 9-8 record, barely missing the postseason. As the rest of the division has strengthened, the Jaguars could bolster their roster with a trade for Lattimore to remain competitive.
Lattimore, now 28, may not be at an All-Pro level anymore, but he still offers enough to be a reliable starter. With the Jaguars’ cornerback depth chart among the weakest in the league, they face a challenge defending against players like C.J. Stroud, Stefon Diggs, Michael Pittman, and DeAndre Hopkins. While Trevor Lawrence is talented, he can’t always carry the team in high-scoring games. Adding Lattimore could be a critical move to shore up their defense and push for a deep playoff run.
Will the Saints Trade Lattimore?
It’s unlikely the Saints will trade Lattimore before the season starts. New Orleans still aims to compete in 2024, and having Lattimore on the roster makes them stronger. However, if their season goes south, the team may be more inclined to move one of their top defenders to recoup assets.
While the Saints have talented defensive players, the offense is expected to struggle. Quarterback Derek Carr, behind a weak offensive line, might find it hard to be productive, even with Chris Olave and Rashid Shaheed as targets. With head coach Dennis Allen’s leadership under scrutiny, the team could quickly unravel, increasing the chances of a Lattimore trade before the deadline.
After years of postponing a rebuild, this could be the season New Orleans embraces change. If that happens, expect the Saints to trade Lattimore to the highest bidder, with the Jaguars likely being a top contender.
