Defense has been the Achilles’ heel of the 2024 Cincinnati Bengals, but the team has an opportunity to address one of its key shortcomings before Tuesday’s 4 PM ET trade deadline. And they are reportedly looking.
Dianna Russini of The Athletic recently reported that Cincinnati was actively hunting for help on defense, and were focused on defensive linemen and cornerbacks.
“They are very serious about adding. It’s not just flirting,” Russini reported.
Cornerback Marshon Lattimore could be just the ticket.
A product of Glenville High School (Cleveland, Ohio) who played collegiately at Ohio State, Lattimore was a first-round selection of the New Orleans Saints in the 2017 NFL Draft. He was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year and is a four-time Pro Bowler. His contract also has an opt-out provision that allows him to become a free agent next year.
Lattimore’s base salary for 2024 is a meager $1,210,000, although he carries a cap hit of more than $14 million. The Saints added depth to the cornerback position by drafting Alabama’s Kool-Aid McKinstry in the second round of this year’s draft, so there’s a good possibility that New Orleans could be looking to recoup something before Lattimore walks away next year, but only if the price is right.
“When a guy is a really good player for your team, they’re not on the market per se,” said Saints general manager Mickey Loomis recently, “but there are times when you get a call and somebody makes a proposal and it might make sense for you. That’s true for any player on your team. If you get an offer you can’t refuse, you at least have to look at it.
“So, that’s what I would say. I’m not actively trying to trade Marshon. Marshon is such a good player, he’s an elite corner. He’s had some injuries the last couple seasons that have kept him off the field, and we’ve got to get over that. It’s not his fault, it’s just circumstances. That’s just where we’re at.”
Most believe it would take at least a third-round pick in next year’s draft to start the conversation. Much of the problems have come on the offensive side of the ball for the Saints, who have now lost seven straight games. The offensive line, wide receiver, and tight end are key areas of need.
It just so happens that the Bengals have a young receiving tight end with lots of potential in rookie Tanner McLachlan, a sixth-round selection out of Arizona who, at 6-5 and 245 pounds, ran a 4.61 40 at the NFL Combine. McLachlan has been a member of the 53-man roster all season but has yet to see any game action. His inclusion in the deal might just be enough to make it happen.
All we can do now is wait and see.
What would you think? Sound off!
Be the first to comment