This offseason, Budda Baker, a safety with the Cardinals, has been closely associated with the Philadelphia Eagles.
Over the past year, the Detroit Lions have put a lot of effort into strengthening their secondary, but they haven’t been able to catch some of their greatest breaks.
The two greatest signings from the previous offseason, safety C.J. Gardner-Johnson and cornerback Emmanuel Moseley, were out for much of the season due to injury.
This offseason, Gardner-Johnson ultimately left in free agency, but Moseley is coming back with a new deal.
According to a recent report, the Lions may make another major move this offseason by trying to acquire Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
Matt Holder of Bleacher Report dissected possible veteran moves, pointing out that the Lions would be a strong candidate for Baker if he decides to resubmit his trade request from the previous year.
“Simple” Financial Decision for the Lions Holder mentioned that although Baker had initially requested a trade with the Cardinals last season, he ultimately decided to stay and received a raise.
Holder proposed that the Cardinals reconsider trading for the 28-year-old safety, which would provide them with valuable assets for their rebuilding of the roster.
Holder added, “Not that Arizona needs it, but trading the defensive back in addition to getting a player of future asset back for a guy who might leave for nothing next spring would save them $15.1 million, per Over The Cap.”
“Moreover, in the challenging NFC West, it would be somewhat surprising if the Cardinals are much of a playoff contender even with Baker.”
Holder stated that the Lions might find it the simplest option, but he believed that other clubs, such as the Philadelphia Eagles and Baltimore Ravens, would be interested.
Holder stated, “Detroit, in contrast to Baltimore, can afford to make this happen easily financially and on the field.” “With roughly $31.1 million in cap space now available, the Lions have the fourth-most, and the Cardinal would be an improvement over Kerby Joseph.
Additionally, with the team aiming for a Super Bowl run, the franchise is in a position where it can take on a one-and-done contract.
With two All-Pro seasons and a Pro Bowl appearance in each of the previous five seasons, Baker has not demonstrated much of a drop in play. During the previous season, he played in 12 games and recorded 87 total tackles, including five for a loss.
Lions Expanding Their Secondary Using their first two draft picks on defensive backs, Alabama cornerback Terrion Arnold in the first round and Missouri cornerback Ennis Rakestraw Jr. in the second, the Lions have already made significant investments in their secondary this summer.
With Carlton Davis, Amik Robertson, Kindle Vildor, and Moseley among the veterans vying for playing time, the position group is already deep, according to Lions general manager Brad Holmes.
The two newcomers should provide some good competition. According to the team’s official website, Holmes stated,
“They’ve got to win a spot, you know, because Carlton Davis III has been a proven starter.”
“Emmanuel Moseley is a proven starter when healthy.
Amik Robertson has demonstrated his abilities, much like these other talented athletes who have made plays as starters.
“They’re all wired right and want to play, but man, from a roster perspective, it’s good to be there.” These corners play when they do.
Everyone must secure a spot, so they must succeed. Sports writer Nathan Dougherty covers the NFL for Heavy.com, specializing in the Miami Dolphins, Detroit Lions, and Buffalo Bills.
In the past, he worked as an assistant editor for the sports trade publications Coaching Management, Athletic Management, and Training & Conditioning in addition to writing for the Rochester Business Journal.
Based in Rochester, New York, he has an intense passion for all things football.Additional information on Nathan Dougherty
