Former Saints Pro Bowler proves once again that New Orleans made the right decision to trade him
Made a smart move.
The New Orleans Saints have had their fair shares of misses in trades or free agency over the years. Moving up for certain players in the NFL Draft or taking a swing in a deal with another team for a veteran hasn’t worked in their favor as much as they’d hope, but one move from last season has worked out.
Veteran cornerback Marshon Lattimore was shipped off to the Washington Commanders mid-season. Injuries have heavily affected the back half of his career in the pros, and he is struggling a bit for the NFC East foe.
Trading Marshon Lattimore was smart for the Saints in the long-term
In the deal, the Saints sent Lattimore and a 2025 5th-round pick. In return, New Orleans received:
Rd 3, Pick 93: Jonas Sanker, S (Virginia) Rd 4, Pick 131: Quincy Riley, CB (Louisville) Rd 6, Pick 184: Devin Neal, RB (Kansas)
Sanker is now a projected starter at safety, following the Julian Blackmon long-term injury. He impressed consistently in camp and the preseason. Riley had bright moments in camp but dealt with injury, too. The Saints expect him to play a role in the future, though. Devin Neal had carries in Week 1 and rotates as depth at the RB position.
With this return, the Saints acquired notable depth and upside. Meanwhile, Lattimore’s performances in Washington haven’t instilled confidence. Lattimore struggled last season in his return from injury. He’s been called for eight penalties since joining the Commanders.
Then, in Thursday Night Football against the Green Bay Packers, it was clear that GB head coach Matt Lafleur was targeting Lattimore consistently. The veteran cornerback was called for a holding penalty early in the fourth quarter than turned a 2nd & 10 (following incompletion) into a first down for the Packers.
Lattimore’s unfortunate injury history and clear step back as he’s aged proves that New Orleans probably moved off him at the best possible time, considering their return in the trade.