Tony Jefferson Lists Jaguars as a Top Fit for Cardinals DB Budda Baker

With the Pro Bowl safety requesting a trade this week, should the Jaguars be the team that pursues him?

One of the top defensive backs in the NFL is on the market. 

Arizona defensive back Budda Baker officially requested a trade from the rebuilding Cardinals on Friday, meaning there are likely a number of franchises that will now look into adding the five-time Pro Bowler and two-time All-Pro.

According to former Cardinals, Ravens, 49ers, and Giants safety Tony Jefferson, the Jaguars just might be one of the best fits for Baker as he looks for greener pastures.

It makes sense considering the Jaguars have nine draft picks in the 2023 NFL Draft to work with and a big void in the secondary to fill. While Baker is much more than just a nickel cornerback, he could fill the Jaguars' need in a slot in a big way, all while increasing the defense's overall playmaking ability and ceiling.

According to ESPN, Baker told the Cardinals in February that he wanted to be traded if he did not receive a new deal that would make him the highest-paid safety. Baker is currently the NFL's seventh-highest-paid safety.

Baker is owed $13.1 million this season and $14.2 million in 2024 from a four-year, $59 million extension he signed in 2020 that made him the highest-paid NFL safety at the time.

The question for the Jaguars would be if they could fit a new contract for Baker under their 2023 cap. The Jaguars currently have roughly $15 million in cap space, most of which would go toward Baker. 

Then there is the factor of the Jaguars' 2024 draft picks. The Jaguars can't trade their 2024 second-, third- or fourth-round picks since each pick is still conditionally tied to Calvin Ridley. So if the Jaguars were to trade for Baker, it would take one of their nine 2023 picks or a first, fifth, sixth, or seventh next season. 

Baker has appeared in 93 games with the Cardinals since being a second-round pick in 2017, earning Pro Bowl honors in all but one season. Baker has recorded 650 tackles, 32 tackles for loss, 7.5 sacks, seven interceptions, 34 pass deflections, six forced fumbles, and five fumble recoveries.

Baker started 15 games in 2023, recording 111 tackles, one tackle for loss, two interceptions, seven pass deflections, and one forced fumble.