The Kansas City Chiefs are making headlines as the NFL trade deadline approaches. With the clock ticking down to November 5, Chiefs GM Brett Veach is rumored to be eyeing potential acquisitions to strengthen his already formidable squad. Leading the chatter is the prospect of trading for New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore, and it could be just the move the Chiefs need to bolster their defense and chase another Super Bowl title.
Currently, the Chiefs have surged to the top of the NFL standings, boasting the league's best record. But their 2024 season hasn't been without its challenges. Despite their success, they lost starting cornerback Jaylen Watson to injury, creating immediate need for depth at the position. Enter Marshon Lattimore, who not only brings All-Pro caliber skills but also significant experience after being selected as the No. 11 overall pick by the Saints back in 2017.
Reports suggest teams, including the Chiefs, have already initiated conversations about Lattimore. According to ESPN's Adam Schefter, the Saints have received calls about their star cornerback, even as they struggle with team dynamics following several losses this season and their decision to fire head coach Dennis Allen. That backdrop could set the stage for the Saints to entertain trade deals as they look to rebuild after failing to make the playoffs this year.
With Lattimore sidelined due to health issues, potential trade partners have to weigh his ability to return to form. Even though he missed the Saints’ last game against the Panthers, teams are reportedly intrigued by his potential upside if he can put his injuries behind him. Lattimore has still managed to make waves when on the field; his Pro Bowl credentials speak volumes about his skill set. Nevertheless, his health has been inconsistent, and some GMs may hesitate to pull the trigger without reassurances about his condition.
Financially speaking, acquiring Lattimore seems feasible for the Chiefs, who still have room under their salary cap. With Lattimore due to earn just over $1.2 million for the remainder of the season, Kansas City could secure him without drastically impacting their financial plan. Conversely, the Saints find themselves over $60 million above next year's salary cap, making it imperative for them to shed some larger contracts.
The Chiefs aren’t solely focused on Lattimore. Reports suggest they might also be on the lookout for another wide receiver to help bolster their offense, which has shown signs of strain with injuries to key players like JuJu Smith-Schuster and Rashee Rice.
Veach's recent acquisitions, like wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and defensive end Josh Uche, display his willingness to make bold moves. Some analysts predict Lattimore could be the cherry on top if the Chiefs hope to solidify their defenses against high-powered offenses they might face as the playoffs loom. The combination of Lattimore and existing star corner Trent McDuffie could be seen as one of the strongest duos across the NFL if all goes to plan.
The Washington Commanders, another team eyeing Lattimore, are also reportedly willing to restructure their roster for championship runs, thanks to their 7-2 start this season. Should they choose to pursue him, they would have to navigate financial hurdles, yet the potential reward of acquiring a four-time Pro Bowler could be too enticing to ignore.
Marshon Lattimore's stock is complicated, blending snippets of brilliance with threads of uncertainty rooted in injury issues. The upcoming trade deadline is shaping up to be pivotal—not only for the Chiefs and Commanders but for the entire NFL community. The movement of Lattimore could signal shifting dynamics across the league and set the tone for offseason strategies moving forward.
Though much is still up in the air, one thing is clear: Lattimore’s potential move to Kansas City could reshape playoff predictions, giving the Chiefs the added defensive muscle they need if they aim for the ultimate NFL crown once more.