ARI Budda Baker
NFL safety. Position: S. Team: Arizona Cardinals.
Quick Facts
- Position: S
- Team: Arizona Cardinals
2026 Outlook
Eight-time Pro Bowler in his 10th season with Arizona. Trade speculation has him as a potential target for contending teams like the Steelers, who need safety depth alongside DeShon Elliott and Jaquan Brisker. Baker has never reached the playoffs in Arizona despite two All-Pro seasons. (per four-trades-the-steelers-should-make) Baker remains the primary starter at safety, though the Cardinals have added depth with safeties Andrew Wingard, Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, and Kitan Crawford in preseason (per Cardianls news: Mike LaFleur's 'wild' take on transfer portal mess with rookie safety teasing college return). With the Cardinals open to trades following the Marvin Harrison Jr. deal, Detroit has emerged as a serious suitor; Baker's versatility and ability to rush the quarterback make him valuable to defensive-minded teams, though at age 30 his trade value likely centers around a mid-round pick or fourth-rounder straight up. (per Three Trades Lions Could Make to Acquire Budda Baker).
October 14 update – Cardinals legend available at deadline: At 31 years old heading into 2027, Baker faces a shrinking playoff window. Despite his Cardinals legend status and eight Pro Bowl selections, the team could move him to a contender seeking secondary depth. With his contract guaranteed through 2027, Baker would provide experienced safety help to any championship-contending team willing to assume his remaining salary. (per NFL trade watch: 8 players who could be moved before the deadline - theScore)
Recent News
- 2026-10-14 — NFL trade watch: 8 players who could be moved before the deadline (NFL trade watch: 8 players who could be moved before the deadline - theScore)
- 2026-10-14 — Three Trades Lions Could Make to Acquire Budda Baker (Three Trades Lions Could Make to Acquire Budda Baker)
- 2026-06-22 — Four trades the Steelers should make before training camp (Four trades the Steelers should make before training camp)
- 2026-06-22 — Trade speculation as Steelers look to upgrade secondary (four-trades-the-steelers-should-make)