NFL

NFL Trade Rumors: Chiefs Could Target Former Defensive Rookie of the Year

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Colin Lynch
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Colin Lynch Sports Editor

Colin Lynch covers the NFL, MLB and WNBA for Heavy.com, with a focus on the New England Patriots. His sports coverage has been featured on The Sports Daily and Basketball Insiders, as well as FanSided's Chowder & Champions. A New Hampshire native and former D1 baseball player at St. John's University, Colin was drafted by the San Diego Padres in 2008 and enjoyed a four-year professional baseball career.

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Published3 hours ago on October 30, 2024

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Chiefs Could Target Former Defensive Rookie of the Year

It’s already been a busy trade deadline for the Kansas City Chiefs, and they may not be done adding pieces. 

For the Kansas City Chiefs, the pursuit of another Super Bowl has taken on an urgency that can only come from a team at the top, and for Chiefs general manager Brett Veach, the strategy is clear: don’t leave anything to chance. Already, Veach has bolstered the roster with the acquisition of star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins and edge rusher Joshua Uche, providing the defending champions with new firepower on both sides of the ball. But if recent whispers are to be believed, the Chiefs aren’t finished yet.

On October 30, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler hinted that Kansas City’s ambition might extend further, with their gaze shifting to the secondary. Bleacher Report’s Alex Ballentine speculated about a bold, “aggressive move” — a trade for New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore. It’s the kind of play that would not only bolster the Chiefs’ defense but serve as a statement: for Kansas City, it’s Super Bowl or nothing.

The clock is ticking, the stakes are high, and the Chiefs seem intent on fortifying every inch of their roster.

Keep up to date on all NFL trades with our Deadline Tracker! 

How Does Lattimore Fit With Chiefs Tough Defense?

Kansas City’s defense, solid and resilient, has been its cornerstone in 2024. But in the unforgiving world of the NFL, even the strongest walls have cracks. And for the Chiefs, that vulnerability lies at cornerback with Jaylen Watson on injured reserve. One more injury, and what has been a strength could suddenly feel exposed.

According to Ballentine, a move for NFL Pro-bowler and former Defensive Rookie of the Year Marshon Lattimore makes a ton of sense for the Kansas City Chiefs, who are looking to win their third consecutive Super Bowl title.

“The Chiefs already swung a big move to make the trade when they acquired DeAndre Hopkins ahead of the deadline, however, they have enough salary cap flexibility to make another move. Going after a historic third Super Bowl could be motivation enough to really sell out and make an aggressive move,” wrote Ballentine.

“Trading the Saints for Marshon Lattimore would certainly qualify. The talented corner could be inserted into the lineup to replace Jaylen Watson, who was just placed on injured reserve. The Saints have strong depth at cornerback, and a messy cap situation, so trading Lattimore wouldn’t be surprising,” explained Ballentine.

For defensive coordinator Steve Spagnuolo, adding Lattimore isn’t just about filling a gap; it’s about elevating the unit. Lattimore brings a rare blend of skill and grit, consistently proving himself one of the league’s most reliable tacklers — achieving a sub-10.0% missed tackle rate in seven of his eight seasons.

Can the Chiefs Make the Money Work in a Move For Lattimore?

For a team like the Kansas City Chiefs, even a star-studded roster faces the reality of a tight cap. Marshon Lattimore — a four-time Pro Bowler, locked into a $97 million contract — seems like a stretch. So, the obvious question looms: how can they possibly afford him?

At first glance, Lattimore’s cap hit for 2024 looks daunting, standing at over $14.6 million. But a closer look reveals an opening. This year, Lattimore’s base salary is only $1.21 million, thanks to the Saints’ restructuring. The bulk of his cap cost has been cleverly folded into a signing bonus north of $10.6 million.

As for the long-term? That’s a different story. Lattimore’s salary takes a steep climb, jumping to $16 million in 2025 and $16.5 million in 2026, along with higher cap hits that would need maneuvering. But for now, Kansas City could find the answer they need as they chase a three-peat. The Chiefs have a history of resourcefulness, finding ways to make bold moves work. And if bringing Lattimore in helps them reach a third consecutive Super Bowl, the future can wait.