Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; Former New Orleans Saints quarterback Drew Brees on the field for the coin toss with New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) and linebacker Demario Davis (56) against the Denver Broncos during the first half at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images
The New Orleans Saints Could Trade Cornerback Marshon Lattimore If They Fall to 2-7 Against the Carolina Panthers
The New Orleans Saints are at a critical point in the 2024 NFL season. After a disappointing 2-6 start, the upcoming game against the Carolina Panthers could define the direction of their season—and the future of one of their most valuable players: cornerback Marshon Lattimore. As a team known for its high standards and expectations, the Saints are facing mounting pressure to shake up their roster if they fall to 2-7, especially with a player like Lattimore who carries significant trade value.
Marshon Lattimore: A Premium Asset with Declining Utility?
Since being drafted 11th overall in 2017, Marshon Lattimore has been a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense. A four-time Pro Bowler with elite coverage skills and physicality, Lattimore is one of the NFL’s most respected cornerbacks. He’s proven time and again that he can handle top receivers, often shutting down some of the league’s biggest threats. But as the Saints’ season crumbles, fans and analysts are beginning to question if Lattimore’s substantial salary and trade value make him more of a luxury than a necessity for a struggling team.
With a contract extension signed in 2021, Lattimore is on a five-year deal worth up to $97.6 million. This hefty contract, though deserved, may now be hindering the Saints’ ability to restructure or rebuild. If the team can’t get back on track, it might make sense for the Saints to consider trading him to a contender, reaping the benefits of what would likely be a lucrative return of draft capital and potential future starters.
Why Trading Lattimore Could Be the Saints’ Best Move
1. Rebuild Mode Triggered at 2-7: A 2-7 record would essentially end any hopes of a playoff run, making it a logical time to start planning for the future. By trading Lattimore, the Saints could gain valuable draft picks or young talent to accelerate a rebuild that may now feel inevitable.
2. High Trade Value: Lattimore’s talent and age (28) make him an attractive trade target. His market value remains high, and contenders in need of defensive depth, like the Baltimore Ravens, Dallas Cowboys, or San Francisco 49ers, could offer first-round picks or equivalent assets. For the Saints, moving Lattimore would provide them with cap relief and future assets.
3. Addressing Multiple Needs: The Saints are desperate for playmakers on both sides of the ball. The offensive struggles have been glaring, with inconsistent quarterback play and a lack of dynamic skill players outside of Chris Olave and Alvin Kamara. On defense, there are gaps in depth and youth. Trading Lattimore could provide the Saints with multiple assets, allowing them to address these needs in upcoming drafts.
4. Contract Flexibility: Lattimore’s contract takes up significant cap space, which could restrict the Saints from making other moves. By trading him, the Saints would create more flexibility to sign younger, emerging talent, build around Olave and Kamara, and secure a future quarterback if they feel Derek Carr isn’t the long-term answer.
How Fans Could React to Trading a Star
For Saints fans, trading Lattimore could feel like a betrayal. He’s been a critical player in their secondary and a fan favorite. However, with the team’s playoff hopes fading and the roster’s lack of depth becoming more apparent each week, fans may start to accept the idea of trading Lattimore if it means a faster return to contention.
Furthermore, New Orleans has a history of making bold moves to revitalize its team. In 2020, they traded linebacker Kwon Alexander to improve their cap situation, a move that initially raised eyebrows but proved necessary for long-term sustainability. Saints GM Mickey Loomis and head coach Dennis Allen might decide that it’s time for another significant move to align the roster with a new vision for the future.
The Downside of Trading Lattimore
Letting go of a proven player like Lattimore isn’t without risks. He brings stability, experience, and leadership to the Saints’ secondary, and without him, the defense could struggle even more. Finding another cornerback of his caliber isn’t easy, and the Saints would have to draft or acquire a comparable replacement, which could take years to develop.
Additionally, there’s the psychological impact. Trading Lattimore might signal to the team—and fans—that the Saints are officially in rebuild mode. Such a signal could affect team morale, fan support, and even the trust in the front office.
Final Thoughts
If the Saints lose to the Panthers and fall to 2-7, the front office may need to make the tough decision to trade Marshon Lattimore. For a team that has long been committed to winning, even during difficult times, the Saints might be best served by capitalizing on Lattimore’s trade value while it’s still high, reallocating resources to develop a roster that’s capable of making a serious playoff push in the years ahead.
Trading Lattimore would undoubtedly mark the end of an era, but for a team at a crossroads, it could be the first step toward building a brighter future.
