Saints' Mickey Loomis 'not actively trying to trade' Marshon Lattimore after drafting Kool-Aid McKinstry

The Saints aren't looking to lighten the load just because they're filled to the brim at the cornerback position.

By moving up to select Alabama's Kool-Aid McKinstry at No. 41 overall in the second round of the 2024 NFL Draft, New Orleans fed the flames of rumors that it might look to trade longtime Saints corner, Marshon Lattimore, but general manager Mickey Loomis said Friday he has no such plans.

"It doesn't mean anything," Loomis told Adam Schein on Mad Dog Sports Radio when asked what McKinstry's selection means for Lattimore. "Marshon's been a really good player for us for a good period of time. He's one of the leaders of our team. It's just like I said, we can use as many corners as we can get. We've got a good group, a really good group, and they're gonna help each other and they're gonna help our team win."

The Saints indeed have a fearsome cornerback room.

Along with a pro-ready rookie in McKinstry, the club is stacked with talents such as Alontae Taylor, another second-round pick two years ago, and Paulson Adebo, who blossomed last season with four interceptions, two forced fumbles, two fumble recoveries and 18 passes defensed -- good for third-most in the NFL.

Lattimore, four times a Pro Bowler in seven seasons with the Saints, serves as the feisty veteran leader of the group when healthy.

The issue is that Lattimore hasn't been healthy of late. A lacerated kidney and fractured ribs in 2022 and an ankle injury in 2023 have prevented the corner from suiting up for half of the Saints last 34 games after putting together three consecutive Pro Bowl campaigns from 2019-2021.

He's currently under contract through 2026 before void years kick in. He also carries a $31.3 million dead-cap penalty should he be traded any time