NFL Trade Rumors: Baltimore Ravens Acquire Pro Bowl DB from New Orleans Saints?

The Baltimore Ravens have a need in their secondary and a trade with the New Orleans Saints could fill that hole.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23). / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

The Baltimore Ravens had been linked to former New Orleans Saints receiver Michael Thomas earlier in free agency, but could his teammate be a target for the reigning AFC North champs?

Bleacher Report mocked trades for contenders and they had the Ravens trading for Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore to boost their secondary and compensate for the loss of defensive end Jadeveon Clowney in free agency to the Carolina Panthers.

Jan 1, 2023; Philadelphia, Pennsylvania, USA; New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore (23). / Eric Hartline-USA TODAY Sports

"Lattimore, 27, has missed 17 games over the previous two years because of injury, which makes this a risky deal for the Ravens," Bleacher Report writes. "If he can stay healthy, though, Baltimore would have an upgraded secondary to compensate for a questionable pass rush. The Ravens may be able to acquire Lattimore in exchange for middle- and late-round picks similar to what the Detroit Lions sent to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers for Carlton Davis."

Lattimore is a four-time Pro Bowler and has been one of the better cornerbacks in football since entering the league in 2017 and winning Defensive Rookie of the Year. His health would be a huge question mark in any deal a team could make for him. Not only did he just play seven games in 2022 and 10 in 2023, but his production has dipped as well.

In his last two seasons, Lattimore has just two interceptions and 12 passes defended. In four of his previous five years, the 27-year-old cornerback had at least two interceptions and 11 passes defended in each season.

Pass rusher is arguably a bigger need with Clowney gone and Kyle Van Noy still a free agent, but trading for a player at the position of equivalent value to Lattimore is highly unlikely after the Philadelphia Eagles traded Haason Reddick to the New York Jets. Lattimore only having one more year of guaranteed money also eases some of the risk in trading an early to mid-round pick for him.

If Lattimore can stay healthy, a potential trade for him can help keep the Ravens among the NFL's elite on defense. But if his injury woes follow him, Baltimore will be left wondering if it would have been better off betting on the potential upside of taking a cornerback early in the draft.