The Arizona Cardinals knew what they were getting into this season, with Kyler Murray set to miss a good chunk of the year due to ACL surgery, along with introducing a new regime. No one expected the Cardinals to come anywhere close to competing for a Super Bowl, and so far, they’re living up to expectations.
This could mean we continue seeing the Cardinals prepare for a quick turnaround in 2024 by parting with more veterans like two-time All-Pro safety Budda Baker.
Baker played in the team’s regular season opener but suffered a hamstring injury that has cost him the past four games. With Baker first eligible to come off injured reserve this week, it’s possible we could be seeing the final snaps of the 27-year-old in a Cardinals uniform. With just one more year on his contract, the Cardinals may not be able to turn down a strong trade offer from an aggressive team looking to provide more fuel for a potential Super Bowl run.
With that, we look at four potential trade destinations for Baker, helping him land with a contender while sparking a better Cardinals rebuild for next season.
Related: NFL trade rumors: Latest on Kyler Murray, Las Vegas Raiders and more
Dallas Cowboys reload after Trevon Diggs injury
When the Cowboys had Trevon Diggs in the lineup, they allowed an average of just 107 passing yards per game. While two appearances is a minute sample size, the Cowboys have allowed an average of 209.6 YPG since.
Diggs was known for being a playmaker who helped the Cowboys win the turnover battle, but now the 2021 interceptions leader is out for the remainder of the season.
Baker can’t replace Diggs’ production there, but who can? Baker has just seven interceptions and six forced fumbles in his career. Still, he could take over for Jayron Kearse, who plays a similar role, splitting time in coverage as a free safety and playing in the box, providing run support.
Kearse has struggled a bit this season both as a run defender and in coverage, allowing catch 81 percent of the time he’s been targeted. It’s the tenth-worst mark in the NFL among safeties who have played at least 50 percent of their team’s snaps. While Baker wasn’t any better last season (allowing a catch on 80 percent of his targets), he does have a better track record as the only defensive back with four or more seasons topping 100 tackles since Baker became a full-time starter in 2018.
Landing with the Cowboys could provide Baker with a long-term home, as his contract is currently set to expire after the 2024 season. Not only would the trade add more star talent, his addition would help the secondary get younger and more consistent.
Related: 2023 NFL defense rankings
Philadelphia Eagles add even more talent
If there’s one team who’s never afraid to trade for an impact player, it’s the Philadelphia Eagles. Last preseason we saw GM Howie Roseman swing a trade for C.J. Gardner-Johnson, and he quickly became the team leader in interceptions. Baker may not have the same success creating turnovers, but he could help complement an already strong rushing defense.
Terrell Edmunds hasn’t been what the Eagles hoped for after adding the 26-year-old free agent, but at a salary of $2 million, the Eagles knew what they were bargaining for. Baker could provide a long-term solution, bringing valuable experience to an otherwise young secondary aside from starting cornerbacks Darius Slay and James Bradberry.
Related: NFL trade block: A look at players who could be moved ahead of Oct. 31 NFL trade deadline
Jacksonville Jaguars strengthen secondary
The Jaguars have a playoff roster and an easy path to the AFC South division title, depending on the strength of the Houston Texans. But just because the Jaguars already have a team that can reach the playoffs, it doesn’t mean they have a roster that can do damage in the postseason.
Adding a proven player like Baker to a secondary that hasn’t had many of its investments work out could be the move that finally helps spark change. For a defense that ranks 29th in passing yards allowed, the Jaguars can afford to gamble on Baker, hoping his experience helps provide stability and big plays.
Related: Predicting NFL playoff bracket and Super Bowl 2024 winner
Detroit Lions bolster roster for playoff run
One of the best stories of the 2023 NFL season, the Lions are thriving. They’re on pace for their first division crown since the NFC North was formed. In fact, they’ve never even won the North. The last time the Lions finished first in their division came in 1993.
But just because they’re set to cruise to a first-place finish, it doesn’t mean the Lions should get complacent. Instead, they should add Baker, whose grit would surely be appreciated by head coach Dan Campbell. Aside from missing their fourth-round selection, the Bears have all their own picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, plus an extra third-rounder from the T.J. Hockenson trade. If the chance to add to an already much-improved defense comes along, the Lions would be wise to do everything they can to bring Baker aboard.
Related: Super Bowl odds: Every team’s championship futures for 2023 NFL season