Week 1 of the NFL season is usually jam packed with stories during and after games. New Orleans Saints cornerback Marshon Lattimore had an eventful day on his own. The three-time Pro Bowler is the subject of three events, all occurring on Sunday.

Marshon Lattimore On The Field

To put this simply, the Saints dominated Green Bay. The Saints only allowed 133 yards to Aaron Rodgers on 15 completions, while picking him off twice. Lattimore served as a big part of the defensive performance, as he lined up across from Davante Adams. While Adams was not shut down by Lattimore completely, his impact was cut off. Adams caught 5 passes for only 56 yards, 31 of them coming from one catch in the second quarter. Lattimore also added a key pass deflection. On 4th & 1 late in the third quarter, Rodgers targeted Adams along the sideline, but Lattimore broke up the throw. With the score at 24-3 at the time, the short field helped QB Jameis Winston as he threw the fourth of his five TDs on the day.

Lattimore’s Payday

Shortly after the game went final, news was announced for a contract extension for Lattimore. The deal spans over the next five seasons for a staggering $97.6 million. About $68 million will be guaranteed at the time of signing. This deal also sets an NFL record for the most guaranteed money for a cornerback.

Lattimore, the 11th pick in the 2017 draft, is the third member of the Saints 2017 class to receive a payday. Star RB Alvin Kamara and tackle Ryan Ramczyk were rewarded long-term deals by the Saints prior to Lattimore. Edge rusher Trey Hendrickson also earned a big contract after a career year in 2020. However, it is the Cincinnati Bengals that signed Hendrickson instead of the Saints. Safety Marcus Williams is a free agent next offseason, so he could be the next man up in the draft class to receive a second contract.

The Injury

It is not all good news around Lattimore, however. After the report of the contract, another report came out pertaining to an injury. During the Packers game, Lattimore briefly left the game in the second half. He would return to the game and finish while wearing a cast on his right arm. Turns out, Lattimore hurt his thumb during the game and he will elect to have surgery. Prior to the game, Lattimore had a knee injury that had him listed on the injury report. The current indication is that Lattimore will be week-to-week, currently putting his status for next week in doubt.

If Lattimore is unable to suit up against Carolina next week, the Saints’ corner depth could be in trouble. Veteran Desmond Trufant would replace Lattimore alongside rookie Paulson Adebo. C.J. Gardner-Johnson may also see more snaps at corner as well. The Saints are already without Ken Crawley, who is currently on injured reserve with a hamstring injury.

The Saints will be back in action on September 19th as they travel to face the Carolina Panthers.

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