Arizona Cardinals star safety Budda Baker requested a trade earlier this offseason, but remains with the team.
Meanwhile, the Philadelphia Eagles remain without a star safety to complete their elite defense. Could Baker be the answer while helping Philly try to win it all?
An Eagles-Cardinals trade idea that’s already been teased around before has now found new life thanks to Bleacher Report. The site released its list of players who need a fresh start and should be traded, including Baker.
Here’s what the Eagles get in return for Baker in this scenario:
Eagles get:
– Budda Baker
Cardinals get:
– 2024 fifth-round pick
– 2025 third-round pick
“Philadelphia, which has $12.7 million in cap space, wouldn’t have to create a ton of space to absorb Baker’s $13 million base salary,” BR writes. “He would be a superior replacement for Gardner-Johnson over free-agent addition Terrell Edmunds and perhaps more ready than third-round pick Sydney Brown.”
With five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections in his six-year career, Baker’s already accomplished more than most at age 27. Adding him to the Eagles would be another huge championship-focused move by Eagles general manager Roseman, especially if it comes at the cost just two lower draft picks.
Plus, Baker has even expressed his respect and possible interest in the Eagles due to his admiration for Philly coach Nick Sirianni.
“Something that I really like is that Eagles coach,” Baker said on Up & Adams in February. “He’s who he is. So, just seeing that is definitely special as a player.”
However, despite the Eagles’ needs in the secondary, ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said previously that there could be some financial hesitation from Philly since Baker could be expecting a new deal if he performs well this upcoming season.
“People I’ve talked to around the league are at least looking to Philadelphia because they have a need at safety with C.J. Gardner-Johnson leaving in free agency,” Fowler said. “But my understanding is they don’t have a lot of money to spend because they signed other players, so it could be tough.”
A “tough” decision like this may not appear as difficult with Roseman at the controls. Baker is also a star in his own right, and could be worth a potential risk. In 2022, he posted 111 total tackles, one forced fumble, two interceptions and seven pass breakups in 15 games.
But while the stats are nice, Baker has a proven killer’s mentality, and will do whatever it takes on the field. Adding this kind of approach to an Eagles team that is expecting nothing short of a Super Bowl win could be what Philly needs to redeem itself next season.
