$107.4 million A four-time Pro Bowler has been named as a potential trade target for the Steelers.
Another possibility may have been provided to the Pittsburgh Steelers as they seek to resolve their cornerback dilemma for the 2024 season.
The team needs someone to play alongside Joey Porter Jr. in the coming season, and they’ve been linked to a number of notable players at the position who they could pursue this offseason.
There is a new name for the role.
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler, numerous NFL teams believe the New Orleans Saints may trade Marshon Lattimore.
Lattimore is a talented cornerback who could be of interest to the Steelers as they look for a new corner.
Parker Abate of Steelers Nation believes Lattimore should be traded by the Steelers now that he is thought to be available.
Why Lattimore is available.
Just a few years ago, Lattimore was regarded as one of the top corners in the NFL.
He had made the Pro Bowl in four of his first five seasons in the NFL and had defended 19 passes in 16 games during his fifth season.
The last two seasons haven’t been as successful for Lattimore. Since receiving a massive contract extension with the Saints, the great cornerback has struggled to remain on the field.
In 2022, he sustained a lacerated kidney in Week 5 that sidelined him for the majority of the season. He was only able to play in seven games that season.
The injury issue didn’t improve much in 2023. He suffered a high ankle sprain in Week 10 that sidelined him for the rest of the season.
The Saints now face some difficult decisions during the 2024 offseason.
The team has one of the league’s worst cap situations, since it is one of only seven teams that are currently above the cap.
Unlike many other teams dealing with cap issues right now, the Saints don’t have many cuttable contracts to bail them out.
To make room, they will most likely have to trade one of their better names. Alvin Kamara has already been mentioned, although his contract expires after the 2024 season, perhaps making Lattimore a more enticing trade asset.
After missing 17 games over the last two seasons, the Saints may feel it’s time to move on from the man they drafted 11th overall in 2017.
If this happens, the Steelers will have a huge chance.
A fantastic fit for the Steelers.
It would be difficult for the Steelers to outperform Lattimore in their pursuit for a starter cornerback this offseason.
He hasn’t allowed a completion rate of more above 60% when targeted since his freshman season.
Lattimore has maintained his yards per target allowed to 6.5 or less in the last two seasons, while also lowering his yards per completion to below his career average.
He’d also add the speed that the Steelers’ secondary lacks. He ran the 40 in 4.36 seconds before getting drafted.
He’ll be 28 years old when the 2024 season begins, so he should still be in his peak.
Any injury concerns stemming from his absence over the prior two seasons may be exaggerated, given one of his main injuries was a lacerated kidney rather than a muscle or bone damage.
His contract will also likely be less expensive for the Steelers than acquiring other high-profile players such as L’Jarius Sneed or Jaylon Johnson.
If the Steelers can secure a good trade price, acquiring Lattimore would be a terrific move for them, freeing up draft picks to meet other major needs on their roster.