Dennis Allen expects CB Marshon Lattimore to rejoin Saints after ‘good conversation’
With continuous speculations that the New Orleans Saints could trade Marshon Lattimore, head coach Dennis Allen decided he needed speak with the standout cornerback.
Allen told reporters Tuesday that he spoke with Lattimore “two or three weeks ago” about the trade rumors.
“I just thought it was something we needed to communicate,” Allen explained to ESPN’s Katherine Terrell. “There’s been a lot of talk outside our building regarding trades and such topics. So I just felt like it was about time we have a chat. It was a pleasant conversation, and we look forward to getting him out when he comes here.
When asked directly on Tuesday whether Lattimore would be on the roster in 2024, Allen replied, “Yeah.”
Rumors of a potential deal arose after the Saints modified Lattimore’s contract, transforming the base pay into an option bonus, making a trade easier. Since then, New Orleans has rejected the trade idea, but speculation resumed with the second-round trade-up during the draft to select DB Kool-Aid McKinstry last month.
Lattimore is not attending OTAs, which is not unusual for a veteran. He went to mandatory minicamp last year.
“I wouldn’t say that’s been uncommon since probably about 2020,” Allen said of Lattimore’s absence from OTAs. “I know he works hard. I know he’s getting himself in the greatest form possible.”
Lattimore is now the sixth-highest-paid cornerback in the NFL, with a contract signed in 2021. He has missed 17 games over the last two seasons after making three consecutive Pro Bowls. Given the salary cap consequences, if the Saints do move the veteran, it will most likely be after June 1. If Allen and the Saints brass are to be believed, such a transaction will not occur.
