The financials made sense for the trade, as did Lattimore’s diminished play before he tore his ACL in Week 9.
Lattimore, who turns 30 in May, was far less sticky in coverage than he had been in his prime in the Bayou. His 51.2 coverage grade and 52.1 total defensive rating from PFF ranked 99th and 96th among CBs, respectively, and were the lowest marks of his nine-year career.
After finishing 28th against the pass in 2025, the Chiefs appear to be headed for a corner reset. Mike Sainristil, the head of last season’s interception team, remains, but four cornerbacks from the group are scheduled to be free agents.
Now free to find a third NFL home, Lattimore believes he has a market in later waves of acquisitions. He’s still rehabbing from a knee injury and has lost a step, but possesses important veteran knowledge as a four-time pro bowler.
Some defense will be perfect to bring him in as a depth piece.