This offseason, the Detroit Lions re-signed two cornerbacks and added two free agents.
However, the Lions may be looking for a starter cornerback again after cutting Cameron Sutton.
Marshon Lattimore, the cornerback for the New Orleans Saints, is among the more fascinating choices.
Dave Birkett of the Detroit Free Press stated that the Lions may target four experienced cornerbacks, including Lattimore.
For cap reasons, Birkett said, “The Saints might not be able to trade Lattimore until later this spring, but if they’re looking for takers, there’d be a natural fit in Detroit
Aaron Glenn, the defensive coordinator for the Lions, coached Latimore during his first four NFL seasons.
Due to injuries, he has missed 17 games over the last two seasons.The Detroit Free Press’s Dave Birkett said that the Lions might consider four veteran cornerbacks, including Lattimore.
For reasons related to the cap, Birkett stated, “The Saints might not be able to trade Lattimore until later this spring, but if they’re looking for takers, there’d be a natural fit in Detroit.”
Latimore’s first four NFL seasons were coached by Lions defensive coordinator Aaron Glenn.
Over the past two seasons, he has missed 17 games due to injury.Selectee Lattimore was the eleventh overall choice in the 2017 NFL Draft.
He had an immediate effect on the Saints, winning Defensive Rookie of the Year after intercepting five passes in his rookie campaign.
Lattimore was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2017. Before his injury issues throughout the previous two seasons, he was a Pro Bowl player from 2019 to 21 as well.
Lattimore is a “natural fit” with the Lions because of his skill as a top-tier cover cornerback, assuming he remains healthy until 2024.
During the 2023 season, Detroit’s main vulnerability was their pass defense. Regarding passing yards allowed, the Lions were placed 27th at the end of the regular season.
In terms of net yards allowed per pass attempt, they finished tied for 29th place.
Lattimore might start in Detroit opposite Carlton Davis, whom the Lions obtained from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in a trade.
Lattimore and Davis were both ranked in the top 15 cornerbacks by Pro Football Focus during the 2021 season, which was the last in which Lattimore participated in at least 16 games.Assuming he stays healthy until 2024, Lattimore’s abilities as a top-tier cover cornerback makes him a “natural fit” with the Lions.
The primary weakness of Detroit’s 2023 team was their pass defense. At the conclusion of the regular season, the Lions were ranked 27th in terms of passing yards allowed.
They tied for 29th place in terms of net yards allowed per pass attempt.
In Detroit, Lattimore might start opposite Carlton Davis, who the Lions acquired in a trade with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers.
During the 2021 season—the final one in which Lattimore played in at least 16 games—Pro Football Focus placed both Davis and Lattimore among the top 15 cornerbacks.
Given that they cut Sutton on March 21, the Lions may be looking for a new starting cornerback.
The Hillsborough County (Florida) Sheriff’s Office released a statement on March 20 stating that Sutton was released by the Lions following a police search.
On the defunct Twitter platform, X, the sheriff’s office said that Sutton was wanted for “aggravated battery—domestic violence.”
Sutton was wanted on charges of domestic violence by strangulation, a crime, the officers said.
According to Justin Rogers of The Detroit News, Sutton has been contacted by the police “multiple times.” Yet they’ve been unable to get through to him.
Sutton made 17 starts in the Lions’ regular season of the previous year.
In addition to 4 tackles for loss, 6 pass defenses, and 1 interception, he recorded 65 total tackles.
In the previous offseason, Sutton signed a three-year, $33 million contract with the Lions.
Birkett suggested the Lions look at Xavien Howard, Adoree’ Jackson, and Stephon Gilmore in addition to Lattimore as possible replacements for Sutton. L’Jarius Sneed was also mentioned by Birkett as a potential target; however, on March 22, the Kansas City Chiefs traded Sneed to the Tennessee Titans.
