The Jacksonville Jaguars, currently holding a 4-2 record after their bye week, are identified as potential buyers at the upcoming NFL trade deadline, with particular interest in Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker, as heavy.com reported. According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, discussions among NFL personnel suggest the Cardinals might consider trading Baker to acquire additional draft capital as they navigate a rebuilding phase. Fowler highlighted Baker, a seven-time Pro Bowler, as a player who would attract significant interest from coaching circles.
Baker, currently in his 10th NFL season at 30 years old, has a salary of $16.2 million this year and $17.8 million next year. While Fowler estimates the chance of a trade at 35%, he named the Jaguars and the Buffalo Bills as the two top fits for the veteran safety. Securing Baker would be a strategic move for the Jaguars, potentially preventing a rival team like the Bills from acquiring him.
Questions regarding Baker's current performance at his age have been addressed by ESPN's Matt Bowen, who confirmed he would still be an impactful addition to a team. Bowen described Baker as a disruptive safety known for his downhill speed and urgency to the ball. He is capable of playing in split-field schemes or near the line of scrimmage. While Bowen noted Baker is not a high-level playmaker in coverage, having nine career interceptions, his ability to defend the run and blitz significantly impacts game plans. Baker has recorded one interception this season.
The Jaguars' secondary was notably exposed during their loss to the Houston Texans prior to their bye week, making a safety like Baker a wise consideration. The team's current starting safeties are Eric Murray and Antonio Johnson, with Rayuan Lane also mixed into the rotation.
Eric Murray, who missed Week 5, has been a starter for the Jaguars, playing 662 snaps last year and 253 snaps this year. At 33 years old, Murray's age makes Baker's age less of a concern. Antonio Johnson, a former fourth-round pick, has transitioned from a role player to a starter and is in the final year of his rookie contract. Adding Baker could allow the Jaguars to potentially let Johnson depart in free agency or reassign either Johnson or Murray to a third safety role. Rayuan Lane, a former sixth-round pick, has shown glimpses of potential but is currently considered a defensive weakness. None of the current safeties are described as impact players or part of the Jaguars' long-term plans. Acquiring Baker would strengthen the team this year and provide future flexibility. The primary unknown remains the Cardinals' asking price for a trade.
