Should the Eagles trade for Budda Baker?

New Cardinals head coach Jonathan Gannon already has his palms full in Arizona, and issues received much more attention-grabbing simply weeks forward of the NFL Draft, with security Budda Baker requesting a commerce.

It was reported previous to Baker’s announcement, that the team was open to trade talks for him and DeAndre Hopkins, partly as a result of Cardinals not having sufficient cash to pay the 2 the sort of extensions they’re searching for. As soon as Baker’s identify was on the market, he made it clear that he’s trying to play elsewhere.

Positive, the cash is one factor, however it’s nonetheless very attention-grabbing that Baker would moderately not play out his contract below former Eagles DC Gannon. Baker pushed for Vance Joseph to be promoted to move coach and possibly isn’t certain eager about their determination to rent Gannon as a substitute, according to Walter Mitchell from Revenge of the Birds.

“4 years in the past, after the Cardinals’ protection was thirty second within the league in yards given up per recreation at 400.4, Budda was profitable in convincing the Cardinals’ entrance workplace to hold on to Vance Joseph because the crew’s DC. Budda put forth a cogent argument —- saying that Vance was his and a few of his teammates’ third DC in 3 years.

Nonetheless, this 12 months Budda championed like mad for the Cardinals to advertise Vance to move coach — not simply making his case to Michael Bidwill, but additionally to Monti Ossenfort. Whereas Ossenfort stated that “Budda Baker represents every little thing we wish our group to be” —- on the finish of the day, the FO employed Jonathan Gannon and Vance moved again to Denver because the Broncos’ DC.”

The security would definitely be a enjoyable addition to the Eagles secondary if Howie Roseman may determine a approach to work it out. Baker is simply 27 years outdated and has six years of expertise, which incorporates being named to 5 Professional Bowls and was twice a First-Staff All Professional. He’s amassed 650 complete tackles (4 seasons with 100-plus), 34 passes defended, 7 interceptions (6 returned for TDs), 6 compelled fumbles, 5 fumble recoveries (1 returned for a TD), and seven.5 sacks.

Baker has additionally managed to remain comparatively wholesome, lacking simply 5 video games so far in his profession, and lining up for no fewer than 95 p.c of snaps since 2018. He’s been a crew captain and somebody who may be very revered within the locker room, and in the end is price each penny for the crew who finally ends up making the commerce.

The Eagles did lose C.J. Gardner-Johnson in free company, who ended up signing an $8 million cope with the Lions. CJGJ reportedly took too lengthy to evaluate his choices, and Philly determined to maneuver on and allocate a number of the funds put aside for the security to re-signing James Bradberry. Roseman and Co. actually have the draft capital to make this sort of commerce occur with the Cardinals, however Baker’s wage may be the deal breaker.

Nonetheless, Budda Baker in Philadelphia could be dynamic alongside Darius Slay and James Bradberry.

What do you suppose!?