As the New Orleans Saints went through the early offseason, star cornerback Marshon Lattimore found himself shrouded in trade speculation. But it appears as if those clouds are fading with Lattimore and the Saints beginning to see eye-to-eye.
Head coach Dennis Allen reportedly had a ‘positive conversation,' with Lattimore amidst the rumors. He stated that the team is, ‘moving forward,' with the former All-Pro, via Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football.
While he didn't outwardly say New Orleans is not trading Lattimore, it's not hard to read the tea leaves. There is still plenty of time before Week 1 and the Saints can always have a change of heart. But at least for now, Allen seems confident that Lattimore will enter the season still rostered.
The reason Lattimore's name has been a staple in trade discussion comes down to injuries and his contract. Kidney and ribs injuries have limited the cornerback to just 17 total games between 2022-23.
Set to make $14 million in 2024, the Saints are hoping Lattimore is on the field more often. With a potential out in his contract after the 2024 campaign, and with the penalty dropping to $10 .7 million for a trade after June 1, some believed that a deal was the most likely outcome.
The Saints disagreed with those fans and pundits opinions. New Orleans may be in cap hell – 26th in the league with almost $6 million available – but Allen recognizes how important Lattimore is the to team. As the Saints look to reclaim the NFC South, Allen wants Lattimore helping lead his secondary.
What Marshon Lattimore offers Saints
While injuries have held Lattimore back, there's no denying his skill when he is on the gridiron. Over his seven years and 90 games in New Orleans, the cornerback has racked up 375 tackles, 86 passes defended, 15 interceptions and five forced fumbles. Lattimore was the Defensive Rookie of the Year 2017 and has been named to four Pro Bowls over his career.
The Saints may not have made the playoffs in 2023, but defense was certainly their strong suit. New Orleans ranked 13th in total defense, allowing 327.2 yards per game. They ranked 10th in pass defense, allowing 207.5 YPG.
With Lattimore on the field the Saints are looking to at least match 2023's secondary standards if not surpass it. As Kirk Cousins joins the division, next to a rising Baker Mayfield and a hopeful Bryce Young, New Orleans' secondary standards must improve.
On top of his physical acumen, Dennis Allen knows that Marshon Lattimore is a leader on the Saints. New Orleans just drafted Kool-Aid McKinstry. Paulson Adebo has looked impressive when given an opportunity. But neither have the experience Lattimore does. As McKinstry and Adebo continued to get acclimated to the Saints, Lattimore is more than just your usual tour guide.
Ultimately, New Orleans wants to compete for a playoff spot in 2024. In line with their defensive success, retaining Marshon Lattimore rather than trading him gets the Saints closer to that goal.
Follow Us
Subscribe
