NFL Trade Deadline: Chiefs Add Final Piece to 3-Peat Bid in Proposed Deal for Lockdown Cornerback

The NFL trade deadline is rapidly approaching, which means talks are heating up around the league, and contenders are looking to bolster their roster for a playoff run. The Kansas City Chiefs have been the most active team in recent weeks, acquiring wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins from the Tennessee Titans and EDGE Josh Uche from the New England Patriots in a pair of trades. However, Kansas City may not be done loading up.

Could the Chiefs Acquire a Veteran CB From the Saints?

Trade Proposal

Chiefs acquire: Marshon Lattimore
Saints acquire: Conditional fifth-round pick

Kansas City is attempting to make NFL history by becoming the first team to win three consecutive Super Bowls. The Chiefs have shown that they are willing to part with assets to add win-now pieces, so perhaps they will call up the New Orleans Saints for one final deal before Nov. 5.

New Orleans is currently 2-7 and just fired head coach Dennis Allen. They are also in cap hell, which impacts their decision-making process.

Teams are currently circling the Saints’ veterans like vultures. While a firesale is unlikely, New Orleans “could move the likes of CB Marshon Lattimore,” according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.

While the #Saints fired Dennis Allen after a seven-game losing streak, it doesn't sound like it'll be a firesale before tomorrow's trade deadline. They have gotten calls and could move the likes of CB Marshon Lattimore. But a widespread selloff seems unlikely.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) November 4, 2024

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that the Chiefs have called about Lattimore. While teams have some concerns about Lattimore’s health since he missed Week 9 due to a hamstring injury, Schefter notes that “sources around the league believe that, whether it’s Lattimore or another player, Kansas City could push to make another move.”

Lattimore is earning just $1.21 million this season, so any team that acquires him would only be on the hook for roughly half of that.

The Saints reportedly also shopped Lattimore during free agency, and a deal seems very possible over the next 24 hours.

The Chiefs’ secondary has been a middle-of-the-pack unit this season, allowing 212.7 passing yards per game (17th-best in the NFL) and 1.3 passing touchdowns per game (13th-best in the NFL). A year removed from trading L’Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans, could Kansas City look to acquire the veteran cornerback to improve their defense?

According to PFN’s Defense+ metric, the Chiefs entered Week 9 with the 10th-best defense in the NFL. On the season, they have a grade of 60 (B-). After a run of three games posting Defense+ grades above 50, the Chiefs saw some regression in Week 8 against the Las Vegas Raiders. However, a big reason for Kansas City’s high grade is their dominant run defense, so adding another experienced defensive back could be huge for this unit.

Lattimore was the No. 11 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft, and he was named the NFL’s Defensive Rookie of the Year. He has since become a four-time Pro Bowler who has appeared in 97 games and racked up 405 tackles, 88 passes defended, 15 interceptions, and five fumbles forced.