The NFL trade deadline is quickly approaching. As far as the Arizona Cardinals, there hasn’t been a name thrown around more in potential trade rumors than veteran safety Budda Baker.
And it’s not all that surprising.
Currently in the final year of his contract and stringing together an impressive 2024 campaign behind the fifth-most tackles in the NFL (79), it wouldn’t be the most shocking of moves, especially if it means Arizona brings back an edge rusher or added defensive line help.
Even before 2024 kicked off, Baker was viewed as a potential trade piece.
RELATED STORIES
But when it comes to what the Cardinals might obtain in any Baker trade, making that kind of move would likely do more harm than good, according to general manager Monti Ossenfort.
“I’d say don’t believe everything you read,” Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke on Friday. “Budda’s a big part of what we’re doing … not only on the field but off the field and the leadership he provides.
“I think there’s a lot of misinformation that’s out there this time of year, whether it’s pertaining to our players or somebody else’s players. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. … Couldn’t be more excited to have Budda with us.”
Ossenfort isn’t wrong there, as Baker continues to embody what Arizona wants out of its players. With that thinking and the fact Arizona sits atop the NFC West eight weeks in, what kind of message would that be sending to the rest of the team?
It’s unclear what might transpire this offseason when it comes to Baker’s impending free agency — or if a contract extension comes down the wire before then — but for now, all signs point to Baker at the very least finishing out the year in Arizona.
What’s Budda Baker think about all this trade talk?
Different year, same stuff.
This is far from the first time Baker has heard his name being in trade chatter.
And much like he’s said in the past, the safety is focused squarely on his next opponent.
“Personally, I just be where my feet are and push it to the side,” Baker said last week. “I don’t really see the trade stuff, because I’m not heavily on social media.
“I might open my phone up and get a random fan, ‘Come to the team.’ But I’m here, I’m excited, I’m happy and just ready to grind through this week and grind throughout this process, play on Sunday and try and get a W.”
Baker = unbothered.
Wednesday practice vibes 📈 pic.twitter.com/gc4aSaKJlI
— Cardinals Corner (@AZCardsCorner) October 30, 2024