Saints lock in Marshon Lattimore replacement in proposed NFL draft deal

The best part about where we currently are in the leadup to next week's NFL Draft is that we're firmly now in the territory where literally anything goes. Literally anything. The Titans trade for Josh Allen? Here's how it's possible! Were you looking for 10 of the most shocking trades in the history of organized sports? They'll all happen on Thursday night, and here's what they'll look like! It's like the Wild West if gunslingers worked from home.

Every once in a while, though, you find a diamond in the rough. Take, for instance, Sports Illustrated's big list of first round trades. They put together a trade for each of the NFL's 32 teams, and they really run the gamut of 'interesting' to 'oh, you'll just let anything fly at this point huh,' which is the true marker of draft content in 2025. Fortunately for Saints fans, the trade SI pitches is ... actually a great idea? And would work perfectly?

Saints use proposed draft day trade to land Michigan CB Will Johnson

The deal: 49ers trade No. 11 (358) and No. 113 (28) to Saints for No. 9 (387)

"After losing Paulson Adebo in free agency to the Giants, New Orleans has a hole in its secondary. After moving back two spots, Saints general manager Mickey Loomis has the opportunity to add the draft’s top corner in Johnson, who is coming off a three-year career at Michigan featuring nine interceptions and a national title."

I know that Lattimore was gone before the end of last season, so it's not like Johnson would be a 1-for-1 replacement, but SEO waits for no man. Still, the Saints need cornerback help, and Johnson's long been considered one of the best talents in this year's class. If they can get him outside the top 10 – which doesn't feel like a given at this point – then that's objectively a win. Thanks SI!

Will Johnson, Saints CB1 has a nice ring to it. Almost as nice as Marshon Lattimore, Saints CB1, even. If the Saints ever need a new GM, they should give Sports Illustrated a call.