Budda Baker Gets 'Special' Vibes From Eagles Coach Nick Sirianni: 'He's Who He is'
Likely filled with frustration, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker had to watch as the Philadelphia Eagles and the Kansas City Chiefs played on his home turf at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz. for Super Bowl LVII in February.
The Chiefs prevailed 38-35 to capture the title, giving them the same amount of wins at the venue (one) as the Cardinals had all season. They finished an abysmal 1-8 at home en route to an overall record of 4-13.
But everything happens for a reason. Baker got to see for himself what made the Eagles so successful during a breakout season. A primary reason among many? Their second-year head coach Nick Sirianni, who Baker rained praises on during a Super Bowl Week appearance with Kay Adams on Up & Adams.
And now? Baker's requested a trade out of Arizona, as his compliments have become ultra magnified. Add in that Philly is being one of the rumored landing spots and you've potentially got something churning.
“Something that I really like is that Eagles coach,” Baker said. “He’s who he is. So, just seeing that is definitely special as a player.”
Many will see this clip and think Baker said this recently. Context is important here. He didn't request a trade, jump on the show, and then praise Sirianni and the Eagles. We've seen stranger things happen, but this wasn't a desperate post-trade-request cry to the Eagles to come trade for him.
But with only two months passed since the Super Bowl, it's unlikely Baker's feelings have changed. The Eagles could be developing a mutual feeling due to positional need in the secondary, a reason that ESPN's Jeremy Fowler said makes Philly a team to watch.
However, Baker requested a trade from the Cardinals likely due to multiple reasons but none bigger than his desire to become the highest-paid safety in the league. Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is certainly capable of making it work, but Baker's admiration for Sirianni doesn't suddenly mean he's gonna back down from what he feels like he deserves.
"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.
With five Pro Bowl appearances and two All-Pro selections in his six-year career, Baker's already accomplish more than most at age 27. Adding him to the Eagles would be another huge championship-focused move by Roseman.
And since he's already so fond of the head coach, life should be made easier after a tough year in Arizona. Guess we'll just have to keep fantasizing until anything else develops.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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