If the New Orleans Saints want to make the playoffs next season, they must find out how to deploy the most competitive lineup possible. Unfortunately, it could mean trading Marshon Lattimore and his $97 million contract to another team.
Despite improving their 7-10 record from the previous season, the Saints failed to make the playoffs this year. Even after finishing 9-8 and tied for the NFC South title with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, the Green Bay Packers won a three-way tie for the final wild card position, effectively ending New Orleans’ season.
However, before the Saints can retool and enhance their squad in the summer, they must first figure out how to stay under the salary cap. For many, the most obvious move is to trade Lattimore’s contract to another team.
Why the New Orleans Saints should trade Marshon Lattimore.
While Lattimore has performed admirably for the Saints, a string of ailments and a large deal have hampered his development. Aaron Schatz of ESPN outlines how this approach might play out:
“The Saints offered Lattimore an unusual contract restructure that makes a trade much more likely, changing the majority of his pay into an option bonus to be paid in early September. As a result, Lattimore’s next team would pay for the option rather than the Saints in dead money.
Lattimore would still face a $30.4 million dead money hit if sold before the draft (for 2024 draft picks), but the Saints could alternatively wait and trade him after June 1 for $13.4 million this year and $20.8 million in 2025. “The Saints could then draft a young cornerback or even move Alontae Taylor back to the outside,” Schatz said.
This move will allow New Orleans to be more versatile in keeping its lineup fresh and competitive for the upcoming season. Meanwhile, Lattimore has the opportunity to start over with a new team if he is dealt by the Saints.
Leave a Reply