In the whirlwind of NFL offseason maneuvers, one recurring name has surfaced amidst trade speculations: Marshon Lattimore, the talented cornerback of the New Orleans Saints. Bill Barnwell’s analysis in “Post-NFL draft trades, signings that should happen: 10 deals” sheds light on why the Jacksonville Jaguars could be the ideal destination for Lattimore. However, as the Saints navigate the trade market, they face uncertainties regarding the value Lattimore could command.
“Let’s start with a deal that made some sense before the draft and only seems more rational now. When the Saints reworked Lattimore’s contract as part of their annual effort to get under the salary cap in March, they conspicuously used an option bonus structure as opposed to their more traditional roster bonus restructure. This shift meant they realized the cap savings of his restructure but didn’t yet have to pay the option bonus, which will come due before the season. It’s the same sort of bonus structure the Packers used when they eventually traded Aaron Rodgers to the Jets.
While the Saints march to the beat of their own drum when it comes to where they see their roster versus the rest of the league, a Lattimore deal would be sensible. The nearly 28-year-old is coming up for a new deal after signing his prior extension in 2021, and New Orleans might feel good about its cornerback situation without him since it has Alontae Taylor, Paulson Adebo and second-round pick Kool-Aid McKinstry, whom general manager Mickey Loomis traded up to acquire in April’s draft.
Even without McKinstry, the Saints have been able to get by while Lattimore has missed 17 games over the past two seasons. They’ve actually posted a slightly better QBR without him on the field (47.7) than they have with the four-time Pro Bowler (48.5). Last season, coach Dennis Allen got capable play out of journeyman Isaac Yiadom, who parlayed his best season into a new deal with the 49ers. If the Saints think McKinstry is a building block, they can afford to trade Lattimore.
Unfortunately, those injuries also cap what the Saints are likely to land in a Lattimore trade. The market for veteran cornerbacks as they approach their third contracts is unforgiving. Remember that the Rams netted only a third-round pick and a backup tight end when they dealt Jalen Ramsey, a more accomplished cornerback, to the Dolphins last offseason. I would be surprised if Lattimore netted more than a fourth-round selection in a deal, which might not be encouraging for New Orleans unless it just wants to move on for the best trade possible.
The top landing spot for Lattimore certainly looks like Jacksonville, where former Saints assistant Ryan Nielsen is the defensive coordinator. The Jaguars didn’t get great play at corner last season and then cut veteran Darious Williams. They need their corners to play well; they played man coverage at the third-highest rate of any team last season. One of the two teams that were in man-to-man defensive looks more often?
The Falcons, where Nielsen was in charge of the defense in 2023. To be fair, the Jaguars have attempted to solve their problems at cornerback already this offseason, but I’m not sure they’ve gotten all the way there. They’ve bought in bulk while attempting to upgrade at corner by signing veteran Ronald Darby and using third- and fifth-round picks on Jarrian Jones and Deantre Prince. Adding Lattimore would be a much more significant upgrade. He has allowed a passer rating below 75.0 in each of the past two seasons while giving up just one touchdown.
In a division in which the Texans and Titans have made major wide receiver investments this offseason, adding a veteran option across from Tyson Campbell makes sense for the Jags, who have extra picks in Rounds 3 and 4 of the 2025 draft after trading down with the Vikings last month. Sending a fourth-rounder to the Saints would clear up a financial and positional logjam for New Orleans and land an immediate plug-and-play starter at a position of need for Jacksonville.”
Lattimore’s name has loomed in trade rumors for some time, reflecting the fluidity of NFL roster management. While the Saints contemplate potential deals, Barnwell underscores a critical consideration: the trade return. If the Saints can only secure a fourth-round selection for Lattimore, it may be prudent to retain him for the upcoming season until a more favorable offer arises. This cautious approach ensures that the Saints maximize their return on investment for the Pro Bowl cornerback.
Moreover, Barnwell’s analysis highlights the dynamic nature of NFL team compositions. As the season progresses and contenders emerge, teams may reassess their roster needs, particularly in areas like cornerback. Lattimore’s proven track record and versatility make him an enticing option for teams eyeing a final piece to bolster their Super Bowl aspirations.
The rationale behind Lattimore’s potential trade to the Jaguars stems from several factors. Firstly, the Jaguars’ defensive coordinator, Ryan Nielsen, formerly served on the Saints’ coaching staff, fostering familiarity and potential synergy with Lattimore. Secondly, the Jaguars’ cornerback situation presents an opportunity for improvement, with Lattimore offering a significant upgrade in talent and experience.
While the Jaguars have made offseason moves to address their cornerback woes, including signings and draft selections, Lattimore represents a caliber of talent that transcends these acquisitions. His ability to thrive in man coverage, coupled with his consistent performance, makes him an invaluable asset for any team vying for defensive stability.
In the broader context of NFL dynamics, Lattimore’s potential trade underscores the strategic maneuvering inherent in roster management. Teams must balance short-term needs with long-term aspirations, weighing the value of potential trades against the stability of retaining key players. For the Saints, navigating Lattimore’s trade saga requires careful consideration of all available options and potential returns.
As the offseason unfolds and trade negotiations evolve, Lattimore’s fate remains uncertain. Yet, his presence in trade discussions underscores his significance in the NFL landscape and the strategic calculus facing teams seeking to elevate their defensive prowess. Whether Lattimore dons the Saints’ colors or embarks on a new chapter with the Jaguars, his impact on the league will undoubtedly reverberate throughout the upcoming season.
