Jaguars urged to make last-minute trade for CB help with cutdown deadline looming

The Jacksonville Jaguars have begun the process of trimming down the roster ahead of the cutdown deadline. One area that could give them trouble is cornerback because of the options they have at hand. But as deep as they are at the position, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report believes the Jags still have room for reinforcements.

Kay drew up a list of last-minute trades every NFL team should execute and suggests Jacksonville trades for Marshon Lattimore, arguing that they must turn a perceived weakness into a strength if they want to compete in the AFC South.

"If the Jaguars are going to contend with the litany of top-tier quarterbacks they're set to face in 2024 and potentially in the playoffs, there's no question that a healthy Lattimore would be an asset. Giving up a Day 2 pick may be a tough pill to swallow, but it's a move Jacksonville should make to shore up the biggest hole on the roster."

Kay thinks that a third-round selection should be enough to acquire Lattimore. Then again, the Jaguars would have to also take on his massive cap hit for 2024. Earlier this year, New Orleans converted his base salary to a signing bonus that will be paid before the start of the regular season by whichever team trades for him.

Lattimore's contract runs through 2026. He's set to have cap hits of $16 and 16.5 million the next two years. The catch is that none of his salary is guaranteed, so Jacksonville or any other team could move on from him in 2025 without incurring further financial obligations.

Earlier this year, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis said that they weren't "actively" shopping Lattimore, the key word being "actively". This means that they're not looking for a trade partner but wouldn't mind dealing him if they get an enticing offer. A third-round pick is most certainly good enough. However, it's hard to see them getting that kind of compensation because of his salary. A fifth or sixth-round selection is more realistic.

A first-round pick in the 2017 draft, Lattimore has spent his whole career in The Big Easy. Along the way, he's earned four Pro Bowls. While injuries have limited his availability the past two years, the Ohio State product can still play at a high level, giving up just one touchdown and a completion rate of less than 60 percent the past two years.

Grade the trade: Jaguars get Marshon Lattimore in exchange for a 3rd-round pick

Like any other team, the Jacksonville Jaguars will welcome talented players with arms wide open. They aren't currently hurting for cornerback help — regardless of what the national media says — but Marshon Lattimore would most definitely be a strong addition to the secondary. Having said that, there are two potential roadblocks that wouldn't make a trade possible.

First, the Jaguars have both depth and talent at cornerback. Their starting duo in the perimeter include Tyson Campbell and Ronald Darby. The former just signed a massive contract extension while the latter has proven to still be dependable. Behind them is rookie Jarrian Jones, who's made a strong impression throughout the offseason. Their bench includes Deantre Prince and Montaric Brown.

If Jacksonville were to acquire Lattimore, it could stall the development of Jones and Prince. After all, the team's brass wouldn't trade for him just to keep him on the sidelines. For the sake of argument, let's say general manager Trent Baalke does pull off the trade, what do you do with Darby or Jones?

Another thing impeding the trade is Lattimore's massive cap hit. It's hard to see the Jaguars taking on $15 million (with $12 million in dead money) for a one-year rental. Maybe it would make sense if he had a feature role in Jacksonville but he likely wouldn't. Basically, the veteran corner would be a costly luxury.

The bottom line is that Marshon Lattimore still has ample gas in the tank, so the Jaguars wouldn't hesitate to trade for him. But because he does, don't expect them to get on the phone with the Saints anytime soon.

More Jaguars analysis here: