Tuesday’s NFL trade deadline offered up a few unsurprising deals like stalwart pass rusher Za’Darius Smith joining the Detroit Lions, who solidified themselves as the Super Bowl favorites in the NFC.
But as we got closer to the deadline, the Washington Commanders dropped a bombshell as they pushed for an NFC East division title and a hopeful deep playoff run when they traded for perennial Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore. The boundary defender is a much-needed addition for a fledgling Washington defense that is the only real weak link of an otherwise solid playoff contender.
Meanwhile, might the Mickey Loomis Saints finally be trying to rebuild? If that’s the case, I’m kind of shocked, to be candid.
Let’s break this deal down and hand out some grades.
The details
According to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero, here are the exact terms of this trade:
- Commanders get: CB Marshon Lattimore
- Saints get: A 2025 third-round draft pick, a 2025 fourth-round draft pick, and a 2025 sixth-round draft pick.
Washington Commanders
The Commanders were already flying high with a 7-2 record that had them sitting atop the NFC East. That’s because Jayden Daniels is the certain Offensive Rookie of the Year and a bona fide MVP candidate, while Dan Quinn has all of his ducks in a row for one of the better-coached teams in the league.
But for as successful as this Washington season has been to this date, it had glaring holes on defense. Through nine games, per RBDSM.com, Washington is just 24th in defensive expected points added per play. According to FTN, it’s 26th in defensive DVOA. Those are decidedly mediocre statistics describing a way-too-porous defense.
A former Pro Bowler, Lattimore won’t sand over all of the Commanders’ defensive issues by himself. After all, this is a team game, and Washington still needs more pieces up front. But Lattimore is a bona fide star cornerback and is just 28 years old. Getting him for a few mid-round draft selections is a coup for a team that is suddenly a strong NFC contender.
The price is worth it.
Grade: A
New Orleans Saints
Are … the Saints actually trying to rebuild for once?
They already fired former head coach Dennis Allen after New Orleans’ disappointing 2-7 start. And there aren’t that many core pieces for the future on the roster. Trading Lattimore away — one of the few players who had value to contenders — might be a strong signal that general manager Mickey Loomis will finally tear this operation down to the studs like he should’ve done years ago. A fire sale at this trade deadline would do wonders for the Saints.
And if that doesn’t happen, getting a few solid draft picks for the future for a veteran cornerback languishing on an awful team is still something to be celebrated. Huzzah, Saints fans! Your organization might finally have a long-term plan again. Maybe.
Grade: B