The Minnesota Vikings are in urgent need of a cornerback after Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending knee injury, which might make them consider trading for New Orleans Saints Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore.
According to Jason Fitzgerald from Over The Cap, acquiring Lattimore might not require a high price; a fifth-round pick could be enough to secure him from the Saints.
Lattimore is known for his competitiveness and versatility in both press and off-coverage. He earned the Defensive Rookie of the Year award in 2017 and was selected to four Pro Bowls in his first five years. However, he has dealt with injuries recently, including a lacerated kidney in 2022 and an ankle issue in 2023, leading to 17 missed games over these two seasons. These injuries are largely considered to be unfortunate accidents rather than the result of positional wear and tear. The main reason for the trade speculation is the Saints’ financial situation, as they are currently $91.6 million over next year’s salary cap and need to offload veteran contracts.
At 28 years old, Lattimore is still in his prime. He was ranked as the No. 7 cornerback by Pro Football Focus (PFF) before last season. Despite this, his performance has been inconsistent and his injuries have affected his ranking.
Lattimore has spent his entire career with the Saints, and a fresh start with the Vikings, potentially under defensive coordinator Brian Flores, could help him regain his status as one of the top corners in the league.
Recent adjustments to Lattimore’s contract suggest the Saints may be willing to trade him by next March, giving the Vikings some flexibility in managing the risk of such a trade.
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