NFL teams looking to bolster their secondary ahead of the 2024 regular season should contact the Arizona Cardinals to inquire about the availability of Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker.
Last year, Budda Baker told the Cardinals he wanted a trade or receive a deal that would make him football’s highest-paid safety, per ESPN’s Adam Schefter. Baker and Arizona agreed to a new deal that gave him incentives and a pay raise.
The 28-year-old Baker is entering the final year of his contract. With Arizona in retooling mode, it makes sense for GM Monti Ossenfort to trade Baker rather than lose him for nothing in free agency next year.
If Baker were to hit the trade block, there would be no shortage of teams interested in the six-time Pro Bowler. But if there’s one contending team that should be ultra-motivated to make a move for Baker, it’s the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Jacksonville’s pass defense was ranked 26th last season, allowing 239.8 yards through the air per game. Given the onslaught of elite quarterbacks in the AFC, the Jaguars must find another game-changer in the secondary.
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Budda Baker is one of the best ball-hawking defensive backs in the game, with 34 pass breakups and seven interceptions in his career. The Jaguars haven’t had a game-wrecking defensive back like Baker since Jalen Ramsey, who last played for them in 2019.
What The Jaguars Should Offer For Budda Baker
The Jaguars still have quarterback Trevor Lawrence, running back Travis Etienne Jr. and linebacker Travon Walker on their rookie contracts. Their competitive window is wide open, so this is the ideal time for GM Trent Baalke to complete a blockbuster trade.
Jacksonville should offer at least Arizona a 2025 third-round draft pick for Baker. If he’s willing to sign an extension as part of the trade, the Jaguars can throw in an additional mid or late-round selection.
