Should Rams Trade For Cardinals S Budda Baker?
It has certainly been an interesting offseason for the Los Angeles Rams, who will enter the 2023 season without some familiar faces on defense - chief among them being cornerback Jalen Ramsey, who was traded to the Miami Dolphins.
While the Rams have seen several players depart this offseason, they still see themselves as a team that can compete in the NFC West and get back to the playoffs. Doing so, of course, will be easier said than done.
After a trade of one elite member of their secondary, the Rams could see themselves adding an elite defender to their secondary via another trade.
The player? Safety Budda Baker, who recently requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals.
With Baker wanting out of Arizona it could provide the Rams an opportunity to bolster their secondary. However, the keyword in that sentence is "could" as a trade for the superstar safety likely isn't feasible for the Rams.
First and foremost, Baker has made it clear he wants to go to a Super Bowl contender. Yes, the Rams are just two years removed from their Super Bowl win, but Baker might not see them as true contenders.
Even if Baker does view the Rams as a team that can compete for a Super Bowl, the price is likely to be steep for a player of his caliber - especially considering the Cardinals are not likely to want to trade him to a divisional rival.
That also doesn't even take into account Baker wanting to be the highest-paid safety, a contract the Rams might not want to give out.
There is no denying the talent of Baker, as the two-time All-Pro just last season recorded 111 total tackles and a pair of interceptions and is one of the NFL's top safeties.
On paper, the addition of Baker to this Rams' secondary would be a great move, but it is not one the Rams should pursue after committing this offseason to a different team-building approach.
You can find Connor Zimmerlee on Twitter @Connorjz98
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