Saints Projected to Trade $150 Million Four-Time Pro Bowler Back to Former Team
The New Orleans Saints are reportedly preparing to execute one of the most unexpected trades of the upcoming NFL offseason, as rumors swirl around a potential move involving a four-time Pro Bowl player who is expected to return to his former team. The player in question? None other than star cornerback Marshon Lattimore, a $150 million player who has been a cornerstone of the Saints’ defense since entering the league.
Lattimore, 28, is widely regarded as one of the league’s premier cornerbacks. His ability to lock down wide receivers, combined with his physical style of play and remarkable football IQ, has made him a key piece of the Saints’ defense since he was drafted in the first round of the 2017 NFL Draft. But now, with New Orleans in the midst of a rebuilding phase and facing significant cap constraints, it appears that the Saints may be looking to part ways with one of their highest-paid players.
The big question remains: where will Lattimore land? According to several reliable sources within the league, Lattimore is poised for a return to the team that initially drafted him— the Cleveland Browns. The trade, which could involve significant draft capital and players, is reportedly a priority for both teams as they enter the 2025 NFL offseason. With the Saints’ apparent need to clear cap space, the Browns’ desire to fortify their secondary, and Lattimore’s continued status as one of the top cornerbacks in the league, this trade makes sense from a strategic standpoint.
### The Rationale Behind the Trade
While the prospect of trading away a player of Lattimore’s caliber is always difficult for any team, the Saints’ current financial situation has left them with few options. New Orleans is currently $20 million over the salary cap for the 2025 season, and the team is expected to make several moves to balance its books before the new league year begins.
Lattimore’s massive contract, signed in 2022 for a total of $150 million, has placed a heavy burden on the Saints’ cap space. While the deal was reflective of his elite status at the time, the Saints are now in a position where they must prioritize rebuilding and injecting youth into a defense that has suffered from inconsistencies over the past few seasons. As one of the top earners on the team, Lattimore’s contract is simply too large for the Saints to absorb without making significant sacrifices elsewhere.
The Cleveland Browns, on the other hand, are in a different situation. After a roller-coaster season in 2024, the Browns are looking to bolster their defense, particularly their secondary, to compete with the elite offenses in the AFC North. While the Browns have a solid secondary already, adding a Pro Bowl-caliber cornerback like Lattimore could provide a much-needed boost. Not to mention, the trade would bring Lattimore back to his roots, as he spent four years with the Browns during the early part of his career before being traded to the Saints.
For Lattimore, the move back to Cleveland could be a major opportunity to reconnect with familiar surroundings, solidify his place as one of the NFL’s top cornerbacks, and help lead a playoff-contending team. This trade could also offer him a fresh start under new defensive coaching and an improved roster around him.
### What Could the Saints Get in Return?
As with any blockbuster trade, the return for Lattimore will be closely scrutinized. The Saints would likely demand a hefty package in exchange for their star cornerback. The deal could include a combination of draft picks, particularly high-round selections in the upcoming draft, and potentially a player or two who could help the Saints immediately.
It’s possible that the Browns would offer their 2025 first-round pick along with a third-round pick to the Saints, while also sending a veteran player who could contribute to the team in the short term. Players like safety Grant Delpit or cornerback Denzel Ward could be included in the trade discussions, though it remains to be seen if the Browns are willing to part with such valuable assets.
The Saints may also look to shed salary in other areas of their roster to help further alleviate cap space. This could mean moving on from other big contracts, including those of veteran players like linebacker Demario Davis or defensive tackle David Onyemata.
### The Impact on Both Teams
The addition of Marshon Lattimore to the Browns’ secondary would instantly elevate their defensive unit. With his exceptional ability to shut down top wide receivers, Lattimore would give the Browns a much-needed boost in their quest to compete in a tough AFC playoff race. Lattimore’s veteran presence and leadership could provide stability in a secondary that has been inconsistent at times in recent years.
On the other hand, for the Saints, the trade represents the next step in a major overhaul of the roster. With a clear focus on the future, New Orleans will aim to build around young, emerging talents while freeing up significant cap space for future free-agent signings. While parting ways with Lattimore will be tough, the decision could ultimately help the team return to championship contention sooner rather than later.
### Looking Ahead
If the trade does go through, it will mark one of the more significant roster moves in the league this offseason. Both the Saints and the Browns have much to gain from the deal, and it will be interesting to see how the transaction unfolds in the coming weeks.
For Lattimore, a return to Cleveland would not only be a reunion but also a chance to continue his successful career with a team that is on the rise. For the Saints, the trade represents a strategic move that could help position them for long-term success by building a new foundation with a focus on cap flexibility and youthful talent.
As the NFL offseason heats up, all eyes will be on the Saints and the Browns, with Marshon Lattimore’s future hanging in the balance.
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