The Minnesota Vikings are exploring a potential trade for New Orleans Saints Pro Bowler Marshon Lattimore in the wake of Mekhi Blackmon’s season-ending knee injury. The Vikings’ urgent need at cornerback could prompt them to make a move for Lattimore, who has been a standout performer but has faced recent injury challenges.
Lattimore, a former Defensive Rookie of the Year and four-time Pro Bowler, is known for his competitive edge and versatility in both press and off-coverage. However, recent seasons have seen him sidelined due to injuries, including a lacerated kidney in 2022 and an ankle injury in 2023, resulting in 17 missed games. Despite these setbacks, Lattimore remains a top-tier talent and could be a valuable addition to the Vikings’ secondary.
Over The Cap’s Jason Fitzgerald projects that acquiring Lattimore might require only a fifth-round pick, making him an appealing target for the Vikings. The Saints, who are currently $91.6 million over next year’s salary cap, are motivated to offload veteran contracts, adding to the trade’s feasibility.
Lattimore, who recently turned 28, is still in his prime, and a change of scenery might help him return to his elite status. Pro Football Focus ranked him as the No. 7 cornerback entering last season, though injuries and inconsistencies have affected his standing since then. With the potential guidance of Vikings defensive coordinator Brian Flores, Lattimore could rejuvenate his career in Minnesota.
Lattimore’s contract, signed in 2021 for five years and $97.6 million, offers flexibility for prospective teams. The contract includes an option bonus that could be exercised, resulting in a lower cap hit of $3.9 million for this season. The alternative would be to decline the option and absorb a $15 million cap hit for 2024, with no future guaranteed money. This route allows teams to cut him with no financial repercussions if he does not perform up to expectations.
Here’s a breakdown of Lattimore’s contract options:
| Year | Salary Cap Charge | Dead Money |
| 2024 | $3,968,000 | $13,790,000 |
| 2025 | $20,758,000 | $11,032,000 |
| 2026 | $21,258,000 | $8,274,000 |
| 2027 (void) | $5,516,000 | $5,516,000 |
If the Vikings opt to decline the option:
| Year | Salary Cap Charge | Dead Money |
| 2024 | $15,000,000 | $12,000,000 |
| 2025 | $18,000,000 | $0 |
| 2026 | $18,500,000 | $0 |
| 2027 (void) | $0 | $0 |
With $19.1 million in cap space, the Vikings have the financial flexibility to either absorb Lattimore’s current contract or manage his guaranteed money over future years. As they look to bolster their cornerback depth, a trade for Lattimore could either serve as a short-term fix or a long-term investment.
By adding Lattimore, the Vikings could solidify their secondary with a proven talent while navigating their current roster challenges, particularly with the unproven prospects behind starting veterans Byron Murphy Jr. and Shaq Griffin. A trade for Lattimore could prove to be a strategic move in their pursuit of defensive stability.
