Lions ‘Natural Fit’ for $97M CB After Cameron Sutton’s Release
This offseason, the Detroit Lions added two free agency cornerbacks and re-signed two more. However, after releasing Cameron Sutton, the Lions might 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 experienced 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 under Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn. He’s missed seventeen games.
Lattimore agreed to a 5-year, $97.6 million deal in September 2021. He has three years remaining on his deal.
That deal is expected to have a huge impact on whether the Saints can move the cornerback and what type 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 total 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 abilities 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 too finished tied for 29th.
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 issue is, how much will it cost? The Saints may 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 likely be too high a price.
