3 Potential Landing Spots for Budda Baker
With the NFL Draft just three days away, the Arizona Cardinals still have a lot of work to do. They have arguably the worst roster in the league on paper, quarterback Kyler Murray coming off a torn ACL, and their best defensive player, Budda Baker, has requested a trade.
Trading Baker would be a great way to kick off a rebuild, as he's also stated that he wants a new contract that would make him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. With Arizona also attempting to trade out of the third overall pick, they have an opportunity to start stocking a lot of assets for the future.
The 27-year-old Baker is surely a hot commodity on the trade market and with a very weak safety class in this year's draft, some teams might be willing to give up some assets for Baker instead of taking a swing at a rookie.
Philadelphia Eagles
The Eagles, who hold the 10th and 30th overall picks, have been the top option for Baker since it was announced that he requested a trade. The defending NFC champions have a major need for Baker after losing CJ Gardner-Johnson to the Detroit Lions in free agency.
They almost certainly wouldn't give up either first-round selections for the two-time All-Pro, they could package their second-round pick with some 2024 picks to get the deal done.
Cincinnati Bengals
The Bengals have a major need at safety after losing All-Pro Jessie Bates, arguably their best player on defense, to the Falcons free agency. After investing in safety Dax Hill during the first round of the 2022 draft, Cincinnati has clearly put an emphasis on building their secondary to ensure they can compete with the likes of the Buffalo Bills and Kansas City Chiefs.
Baker has a connection in Cincinnati too, as his former "Death Row" teammate Sidney Jones signed with the Bengals in the offseason. The Bengals currently hold the 28th overall pick, and depending on how the draft falls, they might be willing to part with it to reunite two former Huskies.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Head coach Mike Tomlin has stated Pittsburgh's intentions to upgrade at safety after losing former first-round pick Terrell Edmunds to free agency. The Steelers made a major investment in the position in 2019, acquiring Minkah Fitzpatrick from the Miami Dolphins in a blockbuster trade.
A pairing of Fitzpatrick and Baker would be without a doubt the best duo in the league and would help Tomlin's defense return to their elite ways. However, the Steelers also have other needs, especially on the offensive line, and are highly unlikely to give up a first-round pick to invest further in the position.
That being said, a package of three day two picks over the next few years might be more tempting to Arizona's front office regardless of the landing spot.
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