NFL Trade Rumors: New Orleans Saints Pro Bowl DB to Baltimore Ravens?

Earlier in free agency, former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas was linked to the Baltimore Ravens; however, is his teammate a possible target for the defending AFC North champions?

In their simulated deals for contenders, Bleacher Report had the Ravens acquire cornerback Marshon Lattimore from the Saints to strengthen their secondary and make up for defensive end Jadeveon Clowney’s departure to the Carolina Panthers in free agency.

“Lattimore, 27, has missed 17 games over the previous two years because of injury, which makes this a risky deal for the Ravens,” writes Bleacher Report. “Baltimore would have an improved secondary to make up for a dubious pass rush if he can remain healthy. The Detroit Lions sold Carlton Davis to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in exchange for middle- and late-round picks, which is how the Ravens might be able to obtain Lattimore.”

After joining the league in 2017 and taking home the Defensive Rookie of the Year award, Lattimore went on to become a four-time Pro Bowler and established himself as one of the NFL’s best cornerbacks. In any trade a team could make for him, his health would be a major question mark. He only participated in seven games in 2022 and ten in 2023, although his output has also decreased.

Lattimore has only had two interceptions and twelve passes defended in his previous two seasons. The 27-year-old cornerback had at least two interceptions and 11 passes defended in a season in four of his previous five years.

With Kyle Van Noy still a free agent and Clowney gone, the Philadelphia Eagles may have a greater need for a pass rusher, but it is unlikely that they will trade for a player in Lattimore’s position given the trade of Haason Reddick to the New York Jets. Trading an early to mid-round pick for Lattimore reduces some of the risk because he only has one more year of guaranteed money.

A possible deal for Lattimore might help the Ravens remain among the best defensive teams in the NFL if he can maintain his health. However, if his injury problems continue, Baltimore will have to consider if it would have been wiser to take a chance on the possibility of selecting a cornerback early in the draft.