The New England Patriots are looking high and mighty at this near-halfway point in the season.
6-2, with a one game lead at the top of the AFC East, and with a second year quarterback who is looking like a top-5 signal caller in the NFL through eight games of the season.
With the trade deadline coming up, the team could potentially use some reinforcement in a couple of different areas. Running back could be an area to hit – in light of Antonio Gibson’s season-ending ACL tear and Rhamondre Stevenson’s toe injury, which could keep him out for up to three weeks.
But the defense looks like a more clear area to attack for general manager, Eliot Wolf, and head coach, Mike Vrabel. And of the two spots, safety makes the most sense to add, especially since the team traded veteran Kyle Dugger, to the Steelers this past week.
Patriots Trade Proposal Lands New England All-Pro Safety
So in this trade proposal, the Patriots make a move for All-Pro safety, Budda Baker, who currently plays for the 2-5 Arizona Cardinals.
Although he was not starting by the end of his tenure, Dugger was still a contributing rotational piece on offense, and according to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Patriots should consider adding another, if they can, prior to the deadline.
“One of the few teams with defensive depth on the market, the Patriots consummated a pair of trades when they dealt Kyle Dugger to the Steelers and Keion White to the 49ers on Tuesday afternoon.” Barnwell wrote on Thursday. “Both moves have been in the cards for most of the 2025 season, but the trades were more about getting rid of players who didn’t fit Mike Vrabel’s system than shipping off players from a position of strength. The Pats probably wouldn’t mind adding a safety to rotate in alongside Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson.”
Budda Baker Trade Makes Sense For Both Sides
And Baker would be an epic replacement. Despite turning 30 next January, and currently being on year nine, the former third round pick is still incredibly sharp.
Baker made the second-team All-Pro last season, and has been one of the best safeties in the league for the best part of a decade.
This season, his form has taken a bit of a downturn, but he is also playing – once more – on the no-hope Cardinals. A change of scheme and scenery – and the chance to play under elite head coach and defensive guru, Mike Vrabel, will certainly be an enticing one.
And on the other end, the Cardinals will likely be open to moving one of their better but more expensive – and old – veteran players, in a season after which a rebuild would look to be the plan on both sides of the ball.
New England gets a guy to help them win now. Arizona gets additional draft capital.
New England Patriots receive:Â Budda Baker
Arizona Cardinals receive: 2026 fifth round pick
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