This offseason, the Detroit Lions added two free agent cornerbacks and re-signed two more. However, after releasing Cameron Sutton, the Lions could be looking for another starting cornerback. Marshon Lattimore, the New Orleans Saints’ cornerback, is one of the more intriguing choices.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press stated that Lattimore is one of four veteran cornerbacks the Lions may pursue.
“The Saints may not be able to trade Lattimore until later this spring for cap purposes, but if they’re looking for takers there’d be a natural fit in Detroit,” Birkett noted in an email. “Lattimore spent his first four NFL seasons with Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He’s missed 17 games over the last two seasons due to injury.
Lattimore agreed to a 5-year, $97.6 million deal in September 2021. He has three years remaining on his deal.
That contract is expected to have a huge impact on whether the Saints can move the cornerback and what kind of compensation they will receive.
His recent injury history will also play a factor. Lattimore missed 10 games in 2022 due to a lacerated kidney. He missed the last seven games of 2023 due to an ankle ailment.
Lattimore recorded 48 combined tackles in ten games last season, including two for loss, eight pass defenses, and one interception.
What It Might Cost to Trade for CB Marshon Lattimore
Lattimore began his career as the 11th overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft. He had an early impact for the Saints, intercepting five passes in his debut season and earning Defensive Rookie of the Year accolades.
Lattimore also appeared in the 2017 Pro Bowl. He was also a Pro Bowler from 2019 to 21 before suffering injuries during the last two seasons.
Assuming Lattimore is healthy in 2024, he is a “natural fit” with the Lions because to his ability as an outstanding cover corner. Detroit’s main issue in 2023 was its pass defense. The Lions completed the regular season 27th in passing yards allowed. They also finished tied for 29th in net yards per pass attempt.
In Detroit, Lattimore might start opposite Carlton Davis, whom the Lions acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Lattimore played at least 16 games last season (2021), and Pro Football Focus rated him and Davis as top 15 cornerbacks.
Combining Lattimore and Davis might significantly enhance the Lions’ pass defense in 2024.
The question is, how much will that cost? The Saints could face a $45 million dead cap charge if they deal Lattimore before June 1.
So, to make the dead cap hit worthwhile, Drew Collings of Who Dat Dish recommended that the Saints receive a first-round choice as part of the Lattimore deal package.
That will most certainly be too high a price for the Lions, who sacrificed a third-round pick for Davis. However, after June 1, the Lions may be able to acquire Lattimore for less in trade compensation.
Lions Released CB. Cameron Sutton
The Lions could be in the market for another starting cornerback after releasing Sutton on March 21.
The Lions released Sutton when he became the focus of a police search, according to a Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office announcement dated March 20.
The sheriff’s office announced on X (previously Twitter) that it had issued a warrant for Sutton’s arrest on accusations of “aggravated battery—domestic violence.” Officials stated that Sutton was wanted on charges of domestic violence by strangulation, a felony.
Justin Rogers of the Detroit News stated that police had “made multiple attempts to contact” Sutton. However, they have been unable to reach him.
Sutton started 17 regular-season games for the Lions last year. He made 65 total stops, including four for loss, six pass defenses, and one interception. Last summer, the Lions signed Sutton to a three-year contract for $33 million.
In addition to Lattimore, Birkett suggested the Lions look into Xavien Howard, Stephon Gilmore, and Adoree’ Jackson to replace Sutton. Birkett also mentioned L’Jarius Sneed as a potential target, but the Kansas City Chiefs moved him to the Tennessee Titans on March 22.
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