On NFL Trade Deadline Day, the Washington Commanders made a big move to bolster their defense by trading for CB Marshon Lattimore. The New Orleans Saints superstar has been elected to the Pro Bowl four times and is still just 28 years of age. He has 15 career interceptions, and even though the Saints have largely been dreadful on defense this season, he is allowing a career-low 5.2 yards per target while also letting up a meager 69.1 passer rating when targeted, according to Pro Football Reference.
Washington gave up a third round pick to acquire him, as they actually had an extra one due to the Jahan Dotson deal this past offseason. That is quite the steep price, especially for a cornerback, where the play can be quite volatile. (Look at L'Jarius Sneed in Tennessee, who was so good for the Chiefs, and has been a total bust so far for his new team.) Another issue is his injury problems. Lattimore has missed 19 games since the 2022 season and is dealing with a hamstring injury.
However, the Commanders are a true contender right now and will make the playoffs, so it isn't shocking to see them start to go for it with this kind of move. Their defense is easily their weakest link, and this move is an effort to shore up that secondary that could get exposed by the better quarterbacks in this league.
As for the Saints, this move just continues their signal of rebuilding. They just fired head coach Dennis Allen, and are now trading away their best players. This is a team that is in dire straits when it comes to the salary cap, and they would love to clear cash off the books and gain as many future assets as possible.
This is a team that is going to have to rely on a lot of rookies and cheap contracts over the next several years to get out of their financial woes. It could be a very difficult couple of seasons for Saints fans, but at least the team is smart enough to realize that they aren’t going anywhere as they are.
As for the betting markets, this trade isn’t going to affect anything. When it comes to trades or signings, the only position that really moves the market is quarterback.
This seemed like a good trade for both teams, as they are clearly headed in opposite directions right now. Washington got a good player at a position of need for a playoff run, while New Orleans has jump started their rebuild by shedding money and gaining an asset.
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