If there’s a better player on the trade block in the NFL, I can’t name him. Four time All-Pro safety Budda Baker has been the subject of trade talks for three straight seasons. After another disappointing start in Arizona for the Cardinals, now might finally be the time they sell one of the league’s best defenders.
According to ESPN’s Ben Solak, Baker is at the top of the list for potential trade targets as the Buffalo Bills gear up for another Super Bowl push.
“The play of Rapp and Cole Bishop has left the Bills’ defense highly vulnerable against third-level runs and intermediate passes,” Solak writes. “Coach Sean McDermott is always reticent to introduce new players to his defense, but a swing for the fences is necessary. As the Cardinals’ season falls apart, the 29-year-old Baker might finally get the trade he requested in 2023 — though he signed an extension that makes it trickier.”
The ninth year safety made 164 tackles last season, the most of any safety in the NFL and 21 more than the next defensive back on the list. He’s logged 950 career tackles and would become the best player on the Bills’ defense on day one in the building.
Is Budda Baker’s Contract Tradeable?
Budda Baker is the fifth highest paid safety in the NFL, and for good reason. You could argue that Baker has outperformed several of the names above him, but regardless, on the topic of mid season trades nothing matters more than the player’s contract.
In the case of Baker, he is in year one of a three year, 54 million dollar extension. He is set to make just over $30 million in the next two season. Which, given his output, is an entirely fair deal.
The Bills aren’t exactly swimming in cap space. They have the least amount available currently in the NFL, according to Spotrac. And in 2026, the current number of $6.9 million ranks 28th in the league.
They have some decisions to make, mainly with the expensive and unproductive wide receiver room they currently employ. But if the Bills can make some preliminary moves, Baker would be a homerun addition for any Super Bowl hopeful.
Bills’ Abysmal Safety Play
The Bills entered the season with five safeties on roster. Two of those five are now on the season ending IR. That has most certainly played a part in what has become the team’s biggest weakness.
Though they have brought back longtime safety Jordan Poyer, this is a room that certainly needs to be the target of midseason relief. As Ben Solak put it:
“Key position of need: Safety. Taylor Rapp has struggled this season, and Jordan Poyer is now 34. Bad tackling angles are a big reason why the Bills rank last in run defense DVOA.”
So whether it’s Baker, Geno Stone from the Bengals, or Rayshawn Jenkins from the Cleveland Browns. The Bills need to make a move in the defensive backfield if they want to be serious about winning the conference.
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