AFC Contender Could Trade For $97 Million Star

New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore has been the subject of trade talks for a sizable portion of the offseason. Now entering his age-27 season, the four-time Pro Bowler only has one year of guaranteed money left on his contract and has missed a good chunk of time over the past two seasons. However, when healthy, he remains one of the better cornerbacks in football.

The cash-strapped Saints are trying to win this year, but they might have no choice but to trade Marshon Lattimore. As of this posting, the team is set to be $73.9 million over the projected 2025 salary cap and might not be able to keep Lattimore and his cap hit beyond the 2024 season. With that in mind, Bleacher Report’s Maurice Moton thinks that New Orleans could trade their star cornerback to the Baltimore Ravens..

Ravens Named Top Trade Destination For Marshon Lattimore

It’s easy to see why the Ravens might want to trade for Marshon Lattimore. While the team didn’t lose any cornerbacks in free agency, they lost several key defensive players. Rather than trying to find cheaper replacements for guys like Jadeveon Clowney, Geno Stone, and Patrick Queen, Baltimore could lessen the importance of those positions by fortifying the secondary. After all, improving coverage means the quarterback will need to hold the ball longer, which means pass rushers like Kyle Van Noy should be able to make more plays.

New Orleans, meanwhile, can clear just under $4 million in 2024 cap space if they trade Marshon Lattimore after June 1st. This admittedly isn’t all that much money, but the real savings come in 2025. Per OverTheCap, a post-June 1st cut will clear $20.7 million in 2025 cap space.

If Marshon Lattimore is on the trade block, the Ravens won’t be the only teams interested in acquiring his services. While the former first-round pick may have dropped off a bit in recent years, he’s still a reliable starter when healthy. Seeing as L’Jarius Sneed only cost a 2025 third-round pick, some team should be willing to give up a Day 3 pick for the four-time Pro Bowler.

Other Possible Fits

Kansas City Chiefs

With L’Jarius Sneed out of the picture, the Kansas City Chiefs suddenly have a glaring need in their secondary. While Trent McDuffie is a great player, this team will need another corner to shut down the AFC’s great passing attacks. Marshon Lattimore is no Sneed, but the trade candidate is still a solid cornerback who should provide some much-needed support for this defense.

Indianapolis Colts

The Indianapolis Colts just missed pulling off a trade for Sneed, and they could pivot to Marshon Lattimore. The team came one dropped pass away from making the playoffs last year, but they’ll need to improve to keep up with the Houston Texans. Getting Anthony Richardson back will help, but they could use a perimeter threat like Lattimore to lock down outside receivers.

Detroit Lions

The Detroit Lions need to build their secondary if they want to capitalize on their Super Bowl window. While the team already added Carlton Davis via trade, they should consider making a similar move for Marshon Lattimore. After all, somebody will need to fill in for Cameron Sutton, and the present-day version of Lattimore would still be an upgrade.

New England Patriots

The Patriots probably won’t be too competitive in 2024, but their defense should be solid. Christian Gonzalez looked like the real deal prior to his season-ending injury, but New England could use another outside cornerback. Lattimore and Gonzalez could be a lethal duo, especially when paired with Jonathan Jones in the slot. Seeing as this team will probably have to win games with defense, first-year head coach Jerod Mayo should do everything he can to strengthen that side of the ball.