The Arizona Cardinals may be staring at one of the toughest calls of their season as the NFL trade deadline approaches, and Budda Baker is right at the center of it.
Baker, who has spent his entire career in Arizona, has surfaced as a possible trade candidate, with the Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars among the teams linked to him. ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler said Baker remains on his radar as a player to watch, while also noting how hard it would be for the Cardinals to part with a longtime fixture of the franchise. Still, Arizona’s losing has reportedly taken a toll on the veteran safety, which could create an opening for interested teams.
For Buffalo and Jacksonville, the appeal is obvious. Both clubs could use another established defensive difference-maker as they try to firm up their playoff push.
Baker would give either secondary a proven presence, along with experience, leadership and versatility. For the Cardinals, though, moving him would send a clear signal that the focus is shifting toward the future rather than the present.
Baker isn’t the only Arizona player drawing attention. Fowler also reported that Josh Sweat has been connected to the Dallas Cowboys, who may still be searching for help off the edge.
A deal there could get tricky, though, because Sweat’s contract situation appears to be a major hurdle. He is in the second year of a four-year, $76 million contract, and the report says he would prefer a new deal as part of any trade or some sort of financial adjustment to his current salary.
Quarterback Jacoby Brissett is another name worth tracking. Fowler reported that Brissett signed a reworked contract in August knowing a midseason trade was possible, and that a change at quarterback had been on the table because of Arizona’s transitional roster. Fowler also said Brissett would welcome a move and that broader conversations have already happened.
With the deadline nearing, the Cardinals have multiple decisions looming. Baker’s situation stands out as the most delicate one, given how deeply he’s tied to the organization, but Buffalo and Jacksonville have enough reason to at least find out whether Arizona would listen.
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