For years, the thought of Marshon Lattimore wearing a Tampa Bay Buccaneers uniform would have seemed impossible. Lattimore wasn’t just a longtime member of the rival New Orleans Saints, he was at the center of one of the NFL’s fiercest individual rivalries with former Buccaneers wide receiver Mike Evans. Their heated matchups routinely resulted in penalties, ejections, and plenty of bad blood, becoming one of the defining storylines whenever the NFC South rivals met. But the NFL changes quickly.
Mike Evans is no longer in Tampa Bay, and Lattimore enters August still searching for a team after a disappointing 2025 campaign. Suddenly, a pairing that once felt unthinkable has at least become an interesting possibility.
The Buccaneers have reason to consider adding another experienced cornerback. While Zyon McCollum enters the season as the team’s top veteran at the position, Tampa Bay is relying heavily on youth behind him. Benjamin Morrison has battled injuries dating back to college, while several other young corners are still trying to prove they belong on an NFL roster. Adding another proven veteran before the regular season could provide valuable insurance.
At his best, Lattimore has shown he can shadow opposing receivers and play the physical brand of football Todd Bowles covets. Even after an uneven 2025 season, the four-time Pro Bowler still possesses the instincts, competitive toughness, and man coverage ability that have defined his career.
Lattimore’s play took a step back last season, and injuries have limited his availability in recent years. The fact that he remains unsigned this deep into training camp suggests teams around the league may be weighing those same questions. Tampa Bay would also have to determine whether his recent struggles were simply a rough season or signs of long-term decline. Still, this is exactly the type of low-risk move contenders often explore.
If Lattimore is willing to sign a team-friendly, prove-it contract, the Buccaneers could add a veteran with a much higher ceiling than most players still available on the market.
This article originally appeared on Bucs Wire: Could Marshon Lattimore make sense for the Buccaneers?
Reporting by Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire / Bucs Wire
USA TODAY Network via Reuters Connect
By Ashlie Abrahams, Buccaneers Wire | USA TODAY Network
