The New Orleans Saints made a significant move on November 5, 2024, by trading Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore to the Washington Commanders. This decision, involving a player with a substantial $19 million cap hit, has sparked extensive discussions regarding the motivations and implications for both franchises.
Details of the Trade
The Saints exchanged Lattimore and a 2025 fifth-round pick for Washington’s third-, fourth-, and sixth-round selections in the 2025 NFL Draft. This trade bolstered New Orleans’ draft capital, providing them with additional opportunities to address roster needs in the upcoming draft.
Marshon Lattimore’s Tenure with the Saints
Drafted 11th overall in 2017, Lattimore quickly established himself as a premier cornerback in the NFL. His accolades include the NFL Defensive Rookie of the Year award and four Pro Bowl selections. Over his eight seasons with the Saints, Lattimore recorded 15 interceptions, 88 passes defensed, and 405 tackles across 97 games.
Factors Leading to the Trade
Several key factors influenced the Saints’ decision to trade Lattimore:
1. Injury Concerns: Lattimore’s recent seasons were marred by injuries, causing him to miss multiple games. In 2022, he was sidelined for 10 games, followed by seven in 2023, and two in 2024 due to a hip pointer. These recurring health issues raised concerns about his long-term availability and performance.
2. Salary Cap Implications: Lattimore’s contract posed significant financial challenges for the Saints. With a cap hit of approximately $14.4 million in 2024, escalating to over $31 million in 2025, managing the team’s salary cap became increasingly complex. The trade allowed New Orleans to alleviate some financial pressure and plan more effectively for future roster moves.
3. Team Performance and Strategic Shift: The Saints’ 2-7 record at the time of the trade indicated a need for restructuring. By acquiring additional draft picks, the organization signaled a strategic pivot towards rebuilding and investing in younger talent to enhance future competitiveness.
Impact on the Washington Commanders
For the Commanders, acquiring Lattimore represented a strategic move to strengthen their secondary. Despite his recent injuries, Lattimore’s proven track record and playmaking abilities offered Washington a valuable asset in their defensive lineup. His experience and leadership were expected to bolster the Commanders’ pass defense as they aimed for a playoff push.
Reactions and Future Outlook
The trade elicited mixed reactions from fans and analysts. Some praised the Saints for proactively addressing salary cap concerns and securing valuable draft assets, while others expressed disappointment over losing a cornerstone defensive player. For the Commanders, the addition of Lattimore was seen as a bold move to enhance their defense, contingent on his ability to stay healthy and perform at a high level.
Looking ahead, the Saints’ increased draft capital positions them to strategically rebuild and address key areas of need. The Commanders, on the other hand, are banking on Lattimore’s return to form to solidify their secondary and improve their defensive standings in the league.
In conclusion, the trade of Marshon Lattimore underscores the complex decisions NFL teams must navigate, balancing player performance, financial constraints, and long-term strategic goals. Both the Saints and the Commanders have taken calculated risks, the outcomes of which will unfold in the coming seasons.
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