Texans News: Trade target Marshon Lattimore identified
Thursday, May 9, 2024: Your one-stop shop for Houston Texans, neighborhood sports, and league news.
As they get ready to improve on their unexpected playoff run from the previous season, the Houston Texans have been among the league’s busier teams throughout the offseason.
Cornerback is still a need even after selecting Georgia’s Kamari Lassiter with the first pick in last month’s draft. Furthermore, with their “all-in” mentality, the Texans might be prepared to give up another mid-round pick in exchange for a well-known player.
Alex Kay set up a trade in the most recent Bleacher Report piece that would send Houston a 2025 third-round pick in return for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore.
Given that the Saints are in violation of the salary cap, Lattimore, 27, might have a lesser trade value. Because it has refused to rebuild after future Hall of Fame quarterback Drew Brees retired, New Orleans will be a league-high $72.8 million over the cap in 2025.
Lattimore fits the bill. The Saints have been in a similar situation for years, but they have always avoided paying the salary cap by dealing some of their highest paid players. Before the annual salary soars to $31.4 million in 2025 and $28.6 million in the last year of the agreement, he is expected to earn $14.6 million in 2024.
Considering that Kool-Aid McKinstry was selected by the New Oreleans in Round 2 makes moving on from Lattimore seem more sensible. Because the Alabama product is equipped to start working right away, Lattimore may export it to other locations with flexibility.
As it attempts to assemble a deep postseason run with franchise quarterback C.J. Stroud still on his rookie contract, Houston is still looking to add seasoned talent.
The Texans should and shouldn’t trade for Lattimore for the reasons listed below.
Reasons for the Texans to Trade
One of the top defensive backs in the league, Lattimore was chosen with the eleventh choice in the 2017 draft. He has 86 interceptions, two defensive touchdowns, and fifteen interceptions in seven seasons.
In an attempt to find a player to replace Derek Stingley Jr., Houston has thrown a number of darts at the position during the summer. In the period of free agency, the
The Texans gambled on one-year contracts with CJ Henderson and Jeff Okudah, two former first-round selections. They selected Lassiter in the draft because of his background playing both on the boundary and in the slot.
Lattimore on the field right away, starting against third-year standout Stingley while Lassiter got comfortable in the NFL. At the nickel, Lassiter would probably have competition from seasoned player Desmond King for first-team reps.
After winning the AFC South, Houston has already made a number of win-now moves in the summer to get ready for a first-place schedule. The Texans will play seven teams who were among the top 10 in passing yards the previous season.
Remember that the Bears have recently signed Caleb Williams, the first overall pick, and that the Jets are excited to have Aaron Rodgers back in their quest for a postseason spot.
The Texans’ pass coverage statistics were lackluster even though their defense was above average the previous season. Last season, opponents’ average net yards gained per pass attempt against Houston’s secondary was the sixth-highest (6.5). Although Houston has improved its pass rush, Lattimore would elevate the defense from mediocrity to elite status.
Despite his experience, Lattimore is still at the top of his game as he enters Year 8. His arrival would provide a seasoned presence to a youthful yet successful defensive backfield.
The Reasons The Texans Shouldn’t Trade
When talking about extension talks with players that performed well in the previous season, Houston needs to think ahead of time, even though they still have $23 million in 2024 cap space and a projected $46 million the next summer.
Nico Collins will demand a large wage increase because he is nearing the end of his deals. Likewise, Stefon Diggs, for whom Buffalo received a 2025 second-round pick from Houston earlier in the offseason, will. The four-time Pro Bowl target is still in negotiations for a new contract, despite having the last three years of his contract voided.
Beginning in 2026, Christian Harris, Denico Autry, and Jalen Pitre will be unrestricted free agents. If general manager Nick Caserio decides not to pick up Stingely’s and fellow former first-round choice Kenyon Green’s fifth-year options, then so may they.
Four of Houston’s projected starting offensive linemen, including All-Pro Laremy Tunsil, are expected to enter the market in 2026.
If they keep going in the direction of fame, reigning defensive rookie of the year Will Anderson Jr. and Stroud’s second contracts will probably be near the top of their position group.
More importantly, while signing Lattimore makes a big statement right away, it also reduces Houston’s future spending options.
Lattimore has only been able to participate in half of the Saints’ games over the last two seasons due to injuries, which makes him a hazardous pick that will significantly reduce his team’s pay cap.
The same ailments have hindered Lattimore’s adaptability as a cover player. Over the last two seasons, when Lattimore has been in coverage, the opponent receiver’s average yards per reception has dropped to 11.3, which is the lowest of his career.
Lattimore is no longer expected to carry receivers downfield by New Orleans. As a result, he is now playing more underneath covering. It’s difficult to see the Texans choosing to acquire a pricey, scheme-dependent cornerback who is prone to injuries over a cheap stop plug.
In recent years, Caserio has also performed well in this area, benefiting from strong play from seasoned options like Steven Nelson and King, who may sign another short-term contract.
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