10 best receiver-defensive back rivalries in NFL history
By Kinnu Singh
5. Marshon Lattimore vs. Mike Evans
The rivalry between the New Orleans Saints and Tampa Bay Buccaneers has existed for years, but no one has brought it to life quite like Mike Evans and Marshon Lattimore.
When the Saints drafted Lattimore in 2017, Evans had already enjoyed three seasons racking up over 1,000 yards per year as one of the division’s top receivers. Standing at 6-foot-5, Evans has been able to sprint for deep balls and win contested catches, evidenced by his seasons with Jameis Winston and Tom Brady.
Lattimore has developed a reputation as a physical cornerback, one who has uplifted the Saints’ secondary and contributed to three consecutive playoff appearances from 2018 to 2020. Over the past five years, Lattimore and Evans have gotten into several skirmishes, each seemingly more intense than the last.
In 2017, Evans tackled Lattimore for taunting then-Bucs quarterback Jameis Winston. Lattimore was talking trash, Winston became annoyed and touched Lattimore’s helmet, so then Lattimore shoved Winston in the chest. Out of nowhere, Evans tackled Lattimore to the ground.
Evans later apologized and complimented Lattimore’s level of play, but the two remained chippy in divisional matchups. It didn’t help that New Orleans had the edge over Tampa Bay for several years, and Lattimore took his assignment to cover Evans rather seriously.
In 2022, Lattimore and Brady were arguing when running back Leonard Fournette got involved and began shoving the Saints cornerback. Lattimore pushed back, and Evans interjected by tackling Lattimore to the ground. Immediately after, Evans begins grappling with Saints safety Marcus Maye among a symphony of yellow flags.
“This time, I just was trying to have my teammate’s back,” Evans told reporters following the Sept. 18 game. “All I seen was him punch somebody in the face, like I ain’t gonna let that happen.”
The Evans/Lattimore feud has erupted more than once, and it seems to be far from over. The acrimonious nature between New Orleans and Tampa Bay is embodied by two franchise greats who have the potential to move farther up in rivalry rankings.