New Orleans Saints defensive back Marshon Lattimore has been known to be one of the premier cornerbacks in the NFL. When he has been on the field, Lattimore has been able to completely eliminate an opposing receiver. This has especially been evident whenever he faces his rival, five-time Pro Bowler Mike Evans. In the past couple of seasons however, Lattimore has struggled to stay healthy, playing 17 total games over the last two seasons. This has made plenty of analysts and fans question his abilities.
The 2024 season is a massive one for Marshon Lattimore, as he will try to prove that he’s still a top cornerback in the league. Speaking with the media earlier this offseason during mandatory minicamp, Lattimore stated “I’m number one,” when asked if he still believes he's a top corner in the league. It’s clear he has the confidence and ability to be at the top of his position, now it’s just if he can stay healthy.
Marshon Lattimore can still be an elite corner for the Saints
In the past two seasons, Marshon Lattimore has suffered numerous injuries that have hampered his abilities. It’s important not to label him as injury prone as there have been a couple of freak injuries that shouldn’t linger such as a lacerated kidney.
That sets up 2024 to be a major season for the four-time Pro Bowl cornerback. Lattimore played 621 snaps in 2023 and 415 the year before that. In his five seasons before that, his lowest snaps played in a season was 751 in his rookie year (907 in 2018, 820 in 2019, 871 in 2020, and 999 in 2021). It is key that Marshon Lattimore is able to stay on the field in 2024.
2024 is also important for Lattimore’s future in New Orleans. The Saints have shown an uncanny ability to develop talent for their defensive backs. Since 2021, they have invested a third-round pick in Paulson Adebo, a second-round pick in Alontae Taylor, and a second-round pick in Kool-Aid Mckinstry. With how much New Orleans has invested in the position and how well they develop talent, they could move on from Lattimore if they choose to go that route. But if he is able to stay healthy, then the season isn’t only looking up for Lattimore, but also for New Orleans.
