The Detroit Lions have bolstered their cornerback lineup this offseason by acquiring two free agents and re-signing two others. However, with the departure of Cameron Sutton, they might find themselves in need of another starting cornerback. Among the potential candidates, one stands out: Marshon Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
According to Dave Birkett from the Detroit Free Press, Lattimore is among four experienced cornerbacks the Lions could consider pursuing. Birkett suggests that despite potential cap constraints for the Saints, Detroit could be an ideal destination for Lattimore due to his prior experience playing under Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. However, Lattimore’s recent injury history, which caused him to miss a significant number of games over the past two seasons, may raise concerns.
Lattimore secured a lucrative 5-year, $97.6 million extension in September 2021, leaving him with three years remaining on his contract. The financial implications of his contract could affect the Saints’ ability to trade him and the compensation they may receive in return. Additionally, his recent injuries, including a lacerated kidney in 2022 and an ankle injury in 2023, may further complicate any potential trade discussions.
Despite his injury setbacks, Lattimore’s on-field performance remains noteworthy. In the 10 games he played last season, he contributed 48 combined tackles, including 2 tackles for loss, along with 8 pass defenses and 1 interception.
What It Could Cost to Trade for CB Marshon Lattimore
Lattimore kickstarted his NFL journey as the No. 11 overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft, showcasing immediate impact for the Saints. His rookie year was particularly impressive, snagging 5 interceptions and earning recognition as the Defensive Rookie of the Year. He also earned a Pro Bowl nod in his debut season, a feat he repeated consecutively from 2019 to 2021 until injury setbacks hampered his performance in the following seasons.
Considering Lattimore’s potential to maintain his health for the upcoming 2024 season, he emerges as a prime candidate for the Lions due to his exceptional skills as a shutdown cornerback. Detroit’s vulnerability in pass defense was glaring during the 2023 season, ranking 27th in passing yards allowed and tying for 29th in net yards surrendered per pass attempt.
In the Lions’ lineup, Lattimore could assume a starting role alongside Carlton Davis, acquired via trade from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Notably, in Lattimore’s last full season (2021), both he and Davis were graded as top 15 cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus, indicating their prowess in coverage and potential synergy in bolstering Detroit’s defense.
