The Jacksonville Jaguars could use help at defensive tackle and cornerback ahead of the trade deadline. They probably won't be opposed to also bringing in reinforcements at safety since they're dealing with injuries at the position.
Antonio Johnson is dealing with a shoulder injury, and it's uncertain if he'll play against the Indianapolis Colts in Week 8. On top of that, sophomore Caleb Ransaw landed on the Injured Reserve in early October. The dearth of depth at safety in light of injuries could end up forcing the Jags to trade for help.
Luckily, Budda Baker could be available at the deadline, and not only that. Jacksonville has been dubbed a landing spot for the fourth-time All-Pro nod.
The Jaguars are dubbed a trade destination for Budda Baker
Jeremy Fowler of ESPN drew up a list of the top trade candidates ahead of the deadline. He included Budda Baker, noting that the Arizona Cardinals are in the midst of a rebuild, and trading the Pro Bowl safety would allow them to amass draft picks to replenish the roster.
"A few wins won't camouflage Arizona's transitional state — and it needs draft capital to finish the rebuild. Baker, who has seven consecutive Pro Bowls and has 3.5 sacks on the season, could help get the Cardinals some extra picks," Fowler wrote. "Long a favorite in coaching circles, Baker would garner strong interest. He's owed $16.2 million this year and $17.9 million next year."
Later in his article, Fowler names Jacksonville and the Buffalo Bills as potential landing spots for Baker.
A second-round pick in 2017, Baker has turned into a movable chess piece in the Arizona secondary, registering nine interceptions, 13.5 sacks, and 48 passes defensed in 145 games with 135 starts.
That said, the Cardinals have surrendered 30 points or more in seven games this season, even with Baker in the mix, so there's a reason to believe that he could be available. If that's the case, the Jaguars should inquire about him, but acquiring him probably won't come cheap.
Baker will likely cost a third-rounder, and Jacksonville would have to take on the remaining $7 million of his salary for the season. That may be a bit too pricey, even if it's worth it.
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Why the Jaguars would consider trading for Budda Baker?
Budda Baker would give the Jaguars a playmaker at safety, a movable chess piece that defensive coordinator Anthony Campanile could use to create matchup troubles. When you factor in that Jackonville is making a playoff push, trading for him makes sense.
On the other hand, Baker may be a luxury the Jags may not be able to afford. He's got a salary of more than $17 million in 2027. None of it is guaranteed, though, so he could turn out to be just a one-year rental. This is why giving up a third-rounder for him may be too much.
If that wasn't enough, Antonio Johnson is also slated to become a free agent next year, and if he leaves, the third-round pick Jacksonville would use to trade for Baker would be helpful to replace him.
Simply put, Budda Baker would give the secondary a boost, but the Jaguars may be better off addressing more pressing needs at the deadline.
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