The Green Bay Packers have been active in the offseason, but a massive trade proposal for four-time Pro Bowl cornerback Marshon Lattimore would cause a big stir in the NFL.
Dairyland Express writer Sayre Bedinger suggested several potential trades for the Packers to consider. These include adding an experienced wide receiver like Tee Higgins or Brandon Aiyuk. However, an intriguing proposal was the acquisition of Lattimore from the New Orleans Saints.
.“The Saints may be better off holding onto Lattimore, but they could also benefit from receiving a 3rd or 4th-round pick and relieving their financial burden by trading him,” Bedinger wrote. “Given that the Packers have 11 selections in this draft, spending one or two on Lattimore wouldn't be the worst decision for general manager Brian Gutekunst to make.”
A Marshon Lattimore Trade Is Surprisingly Feasible
While acquiring a four-time Pro Bowler may initially seem unlikely, there is a realistic trade scenario if the Packers decide to pursue Lattimore.
ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler reported that the Saints are contemplating trading Lattimore based on information from sources at the NFL Scouting Combine in Indianapolis. A recent adjustment to Lattimore’s contract has made it more manageable for a potential suitor seeking to make a move for him this offseason.
The Packers have ample cap space to work with, both presently and in the coming years. According to Over the Cap, the Packers still have $22 million in cap space despite an active free agent period. This figure increases to $68 million in 2025.
On the other hand, the Saints need to continue reducing their salary cap for future seasons. Despite significant movement and contract restructures, New Orleans is still $73 million over the cap in 2025, which is nearly $50 million more than the second-worst cap space in the league for the following season.
Trading Lattimore now in exchange for draft picks could make the 27-year-old a desirable trade target for a team like the Packers.
What Is in Store for Jaire Alexander's Future?
If the Packers aim to acquire a standout cornerback like Lattimore, it may raise further questions about the future of All-Pro cornerback Jaire Alexander.
. General manager Brian Gutekunst promptly dismissed the idea of trading Alexander at the beginning of the offseason. When asked about the possibility, Gutekunst responded with a one-word answer, saying “no”.
Unlike Lattimore, Alexander's contract would make it much more challenging to trade him, even if the Packers were interested in doing so. A trade before June 1 would result in a dead cap hit of nearly $26 million.
Alexander remains under contract through the 2026 season and should be optimistic about the opportunity for a career season under the guidance of new defensive coordinator Jeff Hafley. The former head coach of Boston College has a track record of developing defensive backs, and his expertise and new defensive strategy could assist Alexander in regaining his All-Pro form in 2024 and beyond.
If Alexander is teamed up with Lattimore and the newly-added safety Xavier McKinney, Green Bay could have one of the top secondaries in the NFL.
