Three Ideal Trade Spots For Cardinals Pro Bowl Safety In 2023
Updated: Jun 11, 2023
The Arizona Cardinals are continuing to creep toward a total rebuild. With DeAndre Hopkin’s name being thrown into NFL trade rumors, Arizona could have significant issues soon. The new issue is Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker requesting a trade.
Baker is one of the premier players left on Arizona’s roster and now it appears to be coming to an end. That being said, let’s dive into three possible trade destinations for the five-time Pro Bowler.
Jacksonville Jaguars
The Jaguars took a huge leap in 2022 by making the playoffs after a 3-7 start to the year. They won seven straight en route to an AFC South title and playoff berth for the first time since 2017. The Jaguars are on the cusp of becoming a household name in the playoffs. Trading the Cardinals’ draft picks for the talents of Budda would be a solid move.
However, despite the Jags wanting to become a consistent contender, safety is not a major need for them. They already have plenty of talent in Rayshawn Jenkins and Andre Cisco so where would Baker fit in? Baker is an elite Pro Bowl talent that Jacksonville could use long-term.
Baker is a natural leader and could elevate their roster to new levels, especially for guys like Devin Lloyd and Tyson Campbell. The Cardinals would likely want at least a second-round pick which is feasible for a five-time Pro Bowler.
Pittsburgh Steelers
Next up, we have the Pittsburgh Steelers. In what seemed like a “rebuilding season”, the Steelers managed to once again get a winning record going 9-8 and made the playoffs. They have a shot to continue their playoff streak but everything must go according to plan. With the AFC being so loaded with talent, the Steelers need to have the Cardinals on speed dial about Budda Baker.
Sure Pittsburgh already has Minkah Fitzpatrick at safety but why not solidify your secondary with another Pro Bowler? Pairing Budda with Minkah would be a move that shows the Steelers are serious about contending in the AFC once again.
The Steelers have the 17th overall pick in this years draft but I doubt they want to send that to the Cardinals. If Pittsburgh is willing to part with their second-round picks, that would be a good deal for Budda.
Green Bay Packers
Finally, we have the Green Bay Packers. Things are crazy in Green Bay right now with the Aaron Rodgers situation still going on. There is a feeling that the Packers would drop in production once Rodgers leaves. However, if they want to keep in the mix of the NFC, trading for Budda might be a solid move.
The Packers defense needs more youth to increase their potential. With the talents of Adrian Amos basically out the door and Darnell Savage still trying to figure out how to become a star, Budda would help. Adding Budda means adding talent, experience and simply just getting better across the board.
Green Bay will want to keep the 15th overall pick but much like Pittsburgh, they can spare trading away their second and third-round picks.
Final Thoughts On Cardinals Budda Baker Situation
Budda Baker is going to be one of the biggest names on the trade market until he lands elsewhere. He has made the Pro Bowl in five of his six seasons in the NFL so he is worth at least a second round pick if not multiple third rounders.
He has the ability to earn his next big contract depending on where he lands. If teams want to make a splash and add some elite talent to their secondary, Budda could be the answer, just give the Cardinals a call.