PODCAST: Is Marshon Lattimore the Greatest Saints Corner Ever?

This episode of State of the Saints is both a history lesson and a legacy defense, as TJ Jones reacts to reports that Marshon Lattimore could be released by the Washington Commanders and uses it as an opportunity to revisit what Lattimore meant to New Orleans.

TJ’s central argument is clear: Lattimore is the greatest cornerback in Saints history — not because of one iconic play, but because of sustained excellence. He introduces what he calls the “moments vs. standard” debate, contrasting players who are remembered for one unforgettable highlight with those who set the bar every single Sunday. Tracy Porter’s Super Bowl XLIV pick-six gets acknowledged as legendary, but TJ stresses that Lattimore’s week-to-week shutdown ability represented a higher overall standard of play.

He revisits Lattimore’s 2017 rookie season as the turning point. The Saints’ secondary had struggled for years, and Lattimore’s arrival — capped by his Defensive Rookie of the Year award — immediately stabilized the defense. From that point forward, TJ argues, opposing teams had to game-plan around him. That consistency, in his view, outweighs isolated flash moments from other players across NFL history.

TJ also touches on the perception factor, suggesting Lattimore didn’t always receive national All-Pro recognition because he played in a smaller media market. He believes Lattimore’s résumé stacks up favorably with any corner of his era, even if the accolades don’t always reflect it.

The episode also revisits the Saints’ decision to trade him, with TJ confidently stating the franchise “won” the deal given the draft capital already producing young contributors. While acknowledging Lattimore’s recent injury setbacks, he emphasizes that those struggles shouldn’t rewrite his legacy.

TJ closes with a forward-looking note, teasing upcoming NFL Combine coverage and reinforcing that honoring Saints history and building the future can coexist.