The rumours surrounding Marshon Lattimore have been laid to rest as the latest update has been provided by the key figures of the Saints. The New Orleans Saints recently hosted their 31st annual Hall of Fame golf tournament at the Chateau Golf & Country Club in Kenner, Louisiana.
This event saw several current and former players, as well as prominent figures of the organization, including head coach Dennis Allen and executive vice president/general manager Mickey Loomis, coming together for a day of golf and media interaction.
Mickey Loomis and Dennis Allen on the State of the Roster
During the event, both Loomis and Allen took the opportunity to address the media regarding the current state of the Saints’ roster as they head into the 2024 NFL season. A significant topic of discussion was the future of four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore, who has been the subject of numerous trade rumors this offseason.
Positive Conversations with Marshon Lattimore
Head coach Dennis Allen revealed that he had a “positive conversation” with Lattimore, indicating that both parties are “moving forward.” This sentiment was echoed by Saints insider Mike Triplett of NewOrleans.Football, and further reinforced by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, who suggested that these developments effectively put an end to the trade speculation surrounding Lattimore.
Trade Rumors Dismissed
According to ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler and Dan Graziano, Lattimore was seen as a player that “several teams” believed they could acquire from the Saints earlier in the offseason. However, Allen’s comments have essentially quashed any ongoing rumors about the 2017 AP Defensive Rookie of the Year being on the move, at least for the time being.
Marshon Lattimore’s Contract and Future
Lattimore signed a five-year, $97.6 million contract extension with the Saints in 2021. Despite this, New Orleans is projected to be nearly $100 million over the salary cap in 2025. This financial predicament led rival teams to speculate that the Saints might be willing to trade their star cornerback. However, with Allen’s recent statements, it appears that Lattimore will remain a key part of the Saints’ defense.
Injury Concerns and Performance
Injuries have plagued Lattimore over the past two seasons, limiting him to just 17 of 34 possible games. Despite these setbacks, he remains a formidable presence on the field when healthy, as evidenced by his Pro Football Focus coverage grade of 69.1 in 2023. With trade rumors now behind them, Lattimore and the Saints can focus on maximizing his talent and helping him return to his pre-injury form.
Looking Ahead
As the Saints prepare for the upcoming season, the resolution of Lattimore’s trade rumors brings a sense of stability to the team’s defensive lineup. With a focus on health and performance, both Lattimore and the Saints are poised to make a significant impact in the 2024 NFL season.
