NFC team just gave the Saints a chance to reunite with former Pro Bowler, but New Orleans should choose not to

They can make more impactful moves for their defense this offseason.

Adam Holt — NFL News Writer
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Oct 17, 2024; New Orleans, Louisiana, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23) during the warmups before the game against the Denver Broncos at Caesars Superdome. Mandatory Credit: Stephen Lew-Imagn Images

The New Orleans Saints had a productive offseason in 2025. Prior to that, though, there were concerns about some of the moves made by the front office. One key decision from that timeframe looks fantastic as of now, though.

Commanders are moving on from former Pro Bowl cornerback

Considering you’re probably reading this as a Saints fan, you know who this player is. Via reports, the Washington Commanders plan to release cornerback Marshon Lattimore when the new league year begins. The former Saints defender was dealt to the Commanders in 2024.

Not to mention, New Orleans’ haul for the veteran CB has paid off already. They landed three rookie talents who impressed when healthy a season ago.

  • Round 3, Pick 93: Virginia S Jonas Sanker
  • Round 4, Pick 131: Louisville CB Quincy Riley
  • Round 6, Pick 184: Kansas RB Devin Neal

Lattimore played in just eleven regular season games for Washington. He will head to free agency, where any team with cap space will be able to add him if they work out a deal.

Saints shouldn’t bring back CB Marshon Lattimore

This could be a great opportunity to bring Lattimore back to the Saints, right? I just don’t see it that way. While Lattimore could provide some veteran experience to an otherwise young CB group, it is unlikely he would carve out a starting role for the Saints next season.

New Orleans would probably (and should) choose to play more of their youth in their secondary to learn exactly what they have in players like Riley, Kool-Aid McKinstry, among others. While the Saints should add at least one notable, proven CB during free agency, I’d look elsewhere other than Lattimore.

Lattimore’s injury history is concerning, as he played just 521 snaps in 2025 and 277 in 2024. It is unknown how available he will be going forward in his playing career due to past injuries.

While Lattimore’s peak in New Orleans is arguably the best CB play in Saints history, they won’t get nearly that same production if he returns to the team this offseason. The former Pro Bowl CB will turn 30 this offseason.

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