Budda Baker, a six-time Pro Bowler and Arizona Cardinal safety, has been considered a potential trade candidate this offseason. According to a report, one NFL analyst proposed that teams deal for the Washington product. Baker is entering the final year of his contract, and it is unclear where he will be following this season. He asked for a trade last offseason, but the Cardinals granted him a raise despite suspicions that they may move on.
However, if a position becomes available, the Cardinals will most likely consider bids from other teams. According to Over The Cap, trading the defensive back will save the team $15.1 million. They might as well get something out of the 28-year-old before he enters the free agent market next offseason. However, Arizona does not require cap space, but they are not a contender this season, so they may explore some deals in exchange for draft picks.
According to Bleacher Report, the Ravens, Lions, and Eagles were the top three teams interested in the veteran safety. It will be fascinating to see what degree of interest there is following the post-June 1 reduction, since many may want a swap. However, one rumor suggests that the Lions should make a big swing in a blockbuster trade to acquire Baker. Last summer, the team added Emmanuel Moseley and safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson, both of whom missed the most of the season due to injury.
Moseley is returning on a new contract, but Gardner-Johnson is not, as he has signed with the Eagles. The Lions appear to be the leading contenders to review this prospective deal and make it happen this season. They’re on track for a bright future, so this may be the final piece of the puzzle in their Super Bowl quest.
Six-Time Pro Bowler Budda Baker Named a Potential Trade Candidate
How He May Fit in Detroit
Baker is absolutely willing to join a team if it means getting his first ring. Despite signing quarterback Jared Goff to a huge contract, the Lions still have financial space. They have the fourth-largest cap space at 31.1 million, so money would not be an issue for Detroit. However, the Washington product would be an immediate improvement over Kerby Joseph.
Baker has shown little decline, indicating that he still has several seasons ahead of him. He has made the Pro Bowl in each of his previous five seasons, including two All-Pro years. Last season, the Washington product appeared in 12 games and recorded 87 total tackles, including five for a loss. However, the Lions are developing a youth secondary after making significant expenditures in this year’s draft.
Detroit would prefer to avoid getting too young, as the team may require a veteran to help with the corps. Terrion Arnold, the new cornerback, is likely to be open to Baker joining the group. It would be a risky mix for the NFC to watch, as most players are expected to perform at their best. Here are some additional potential trading locations for Baker.
Potential Trade Destinations
Although the Ravens do not have the salary to sign Baker, they may as well take a chance to enhance their defense. The loss of Geno Stone, as well as the prospect of Marlon Humphrey in the secondary alongside Baker, seemed to have put them in contention for the championship. Kyle Hamilton had one of the strongest seasons last year, so combining with Baker would make this defense even nastier. Following the loss of L’Jarius Sneed, the Kansas City Chiefs may be looking to sign another rotational player.
After losing Sneed, they need some form of star power on their secondary, and Baker could easily fill that role. The Chargers had one of the worst defenses last year, so they need almost any talent to make the roster competitive again. Derwin James and Alohi Gilman will most likely need a third veteran to help them reach the playoffs. They always say defense wins championships, thus neither side would lose.
After losing Sneed, they need some form of star power on their secondary, and Baker could easily fill that role. The Chargers had one of the worst defenses last year, so they need almost any talent to make the roster competitive again. Derwin James and Alohi Gilman will most likely need a third veteran to help them reach the playoffs. They always say defense wins championships, thus neither side would lose.
