Trading for this veteran CB would be the Jaguars' perfect post-draft move

The 2024 NFL Draft is in the books but the Jacksonville Jaguars could still use help at cornerback. They used a couple of picks (Jarrian Jones and Deantre Prince) on the position but it may be a while before they see a return on their investment. That's why acquiring veteran help makes plenty of sense. In particular, trading for Marshon Lattimore makes plenty of sense.

Bill Barnell of ESPN believes the Jags should acquire Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints, arguing that it would probably cost a fourth-round selection.

"The top landing spot for Lattimore certainly looks like Jacksonville, where former Saints assistant Ryan Nielsen is the defensive coordinator. The Jaguars didn't get great play at corner last season and then cut veteran Darious Williams.

They need their corners to play well; they played man coverage at the third-highest rate of any team last season. One of the two teams that were in man-to-man defensive looks more often? The Falcons, where Nielsen was in charge of the defense in 2023."

The Saints reworked Lattimore's deal in a way that reduces his cap hit for 2024 but still gives them the flexibility to move on from him.

Barnell isn't the only voice that's suggested Jacksonville puruses Lattimore but he's the most recent one. When you take into account that the former Ohio State Buckeye would be reunited with Jaguars defensive coordinator Ryan Nielsen, who held the same position for the Saints in 2022, it looks like a no-brainer.

Granted, Lattimore has missed a combined 17 games the past two seasons, but he's still playing at a high level. Even though he's only logged one interception and nine passes defensed since 2022, he's given up just one touchdown and surrendered less than 12.0 yards per catch in that span.

Add the fact that New Orleans is in a cap crunch, and trading Lattimore is a win/win for everyone. For their part, the Saints get cap relief and get to see what rookie cornerback Kool-Aid McKinstry can do. On the other hand, the Jaguars get to bolster their cornerback room and Lattimore can enjoy a career revival under his old coach.

Trading for Marshon Lattimore would be cost-effective for the Jaguars

If the Jaguars were to trade for Marshon Lattimore, they would be on the hook for his $3.9 million salary in 2024. They could then release him next year without incurring substantial dead money charges. That, along with a fourth-round selection, seems like a reasonable price to pay to bolster the cornerback room.

Coincidentally, the Jaguars acquired a 2025 fourth-pick (and a 2025 third-rounder) from the Minnesota Vikings when they moved down six spots in the first round of this past draft. Although there's no guarantee Lattimore will stay healthy, he would give the Jaguars a proven veteran who can start at cornerback right away.

Moreover, having Lattimore in the mix would allow the coaching staff to bring rookies Jarrian Jones and Deantre Prince slowly. Worst case, the four-time Pro Bowl nod doesn't pan out in Jacksonville and is released next season.

Either way, it makes sense for the Jaguars to go all the way. They've already fortified their defensive front and made several upgrades to the offensive side of the ball. Having a potential starter and depth at cornerback would be the cherry on top, especially if injuries strike late in the season.

The bottom line is that the Jaguars load up on talent in the draft but that doesn't mean they should refrain from making further upgrades. All it takes is a phone call to the Saints.

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