The Saints reworked cornerback Marcus Lattimore’s contract as part of their 2024 cap maneuvering. In addition, his base salary has been lowered to $1.2 million, and an option bonus is now due one week prior to the start of the upcoming campaign.

Many have therefore suggested Lattimore as a possible trade possibility. In fact, Jeremy Fowler of ESPN noted last month that it wouldn’t be shocking if teams tested out a possible trade. According to his most recent update, “several teams” think the four-time Pro Bowler is indeed available for purchase. Lattimore’s contract has no more guaranteed income, but in 2025 and 2026—the last non-void years—he will get a $2MM roster bonus.

In 2024, the former Defensive Rookie of the Year will have a manageable $14.62MM cap charge; however, that amount will rise to $31.41MM and $28.56MM in the next two years. Dealing him before June 1st would result in a massive dead cap charge; however, dealing him after that date would result in additional cap space in 2025 and would stretch out the financial penalty ($13.41MM) across two seasons. Lattimore would have many suitors considering his background, and generally speaking, Fowler mentions the Lions and Dolphins as clubs to watch in the CB market.

Regarding the inclusion of a cornerback, Detroit in particular has been mentioned as a potential purchase; Lattimore would undoubtedly suit the bill. Xavien Howard will not be returning to Miami, while a new contract may allow him to stay. If the Saints were ready to let go of Lattimore, other clubs would surely be interested in acquiring him. Head coach Dennis Allen lauded the 27-year-old during his remarks on the matter, but he stopped short of endorsing his immediate and long-term prospects.

According to Matthew Paras of NOLA.com, Allen stated, “Yeah, really, I think it’s about guys that we feel like can help us win football games, guys that we feel like can continue to build the right type of culture here, and guys that are willing to do the things that are necessary to succeed.”Thus, as I mentioned earlier, Marshon plays for our football squad. He plays a significant role on our football team.

Notably, Allen said that Lattimore is a Saints player “for now.” According to Nick Underhill and Mike Triplett of the New Orleans Football Network, Lattimore hasn’t expressed a desire to be traded or made a definitive decision regarding his future (video link). It might take some time before things are clear on both fronts, given how long it is until the former first-round pick’s bonus is due.

Over the previous two seasons, Lattimore has continued to be an impact defender when on the field. But in that time, injuries have kept him out of the field for just 17 games, and he has produced fewer balls (two interceptions, 12 pass deflections). If Lattimore were to become available, the Saints might still receive a lot of offers, and his situation will be a major offseason plot point to watch.