In a move that’s raising eyebrows across the NFL, the Green Bay Packers are already being proven right for opting against trading for star cornerback Marshon Lattimore this past offseason. Despite the New Orleans Saints’ repeated attempts to trade their Pro Bowl defender, the Packers made the calculated decision to hold off, and early returns this season suggest it was the right call.
Lattimore, who has been the cornerstone of the Saints’ defense since his arrival in 2017, has been one of the league’s top cornerbacks when healthy. However, questions have loomed about his durability and recent performance. After being linked to several potential trade talks in the preseason, many experts wondered if Green Bay would make a play for the 27-year-old defensive back to bolster their secondary.
Instead, Packers GM Brian Gutekunst stayed the course. “We like our depth, and we believe in the talent we have in our system,” Gutekunst remarked earlier this year when asked about potential trade targets. It was a risky call at the time, but it’s beginning to look like a stroke of genius.
While Lattimore has played solidly for the Saints this season, it’s clear that he is far from the elite shutdown corner he once was. A series of nagging injuries have slowed him down over the past few years, with his most recent setback being a hamstring issue that kept him sidelined for several games. The injury-prone nature of Lattimore’s career had been a concern for many potential suitors, including Green Bay.
Meanwhile, the Packers’ young cornerbacks — particularly Jaire Alexander — have emerged as one of the most promising duos in the NFL. Alexander, who was named to his second Pro Bowl this season, has continued to dominate opposing receivers, while the likes of Rasul Douglas and Eric Stokes have stepped up in crucial moments.
But it’s not just about the cornerbacks. The Packers’ defensive coordinator Joe Barry has orchestrated a defensive scheme that focuses on versatility and depth, and the unit has been thriving as a result. With multiple players capable of stepping up in key situations, Green Bay has been able to weather injuries and still perform at a high level.
By not trading for Lattimore, the Packers also kept valuable cap space intact. The financial commitment to a player with injury concerns would have been a risky proposition, especially with Green Bay’s long-term goals in mind. The decision allowed the team to maintain flexibility and invest in other key areas, including their offense, which has seen impressive growth under first-year head coach Matt LaFleur.
On the other side of the trade talks, the Saints have had their own challenges. Lattimore’s inconsistency this season has been compounded by a shaky New Orleans defense that has failed to capitalize on his presence. While Lattimore has shown flashes of brilliance, his inability to stay on the field and be a consistent force has raised doubts about his future with the Saints.
With the Packers’ secondary continuing to perform at a high level and Lattimore’s injury history looming large, Green Bay’s decision not to trade for the former Defensive Rookie of the Year is being hailed as a prudent and calculated move. As the season progresses, the Packers’ defense will likely only grow stronger, while the Saints may be left to reconsider their strategy regarding Lattimore’s future in New Orleans.
As of now, the Packers look poised for a deep playoff run with a roster that is clicking in all the right places. And with Lattimore’s stock continuing to drop, Green Bay’s refusal to part with valuable assets for the veteran cornerback may end up being one of the most significant decisions of the 2024 NFL season.
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