By james art The Baltimore Ravens could use some help in their secondary, so they will likely explore the trade market for defensive backs between now and the NFL deadline on Nov. 5.
Can the Ravens land one of the biggest names available?
Todd Karpowicz of Baltimore Sports thinks so, linking Baltimore to a potential deal for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
“Safeties the Ravens could consider include Budda Baker (Cardinals) and Andre Cisco (Jaguars). Baker is a six-time Pro Bowler who is a tough and solid player,” Karpovich wrote.
Baker is in the final year of his deal in Arizona, so it would make sense for the rebuilding Cardinals to trade him now before potentially losing him for nothing in free agency.
The 28-year-old has already racked up 60 tackles in his first six games of 2024 and is regarded as one of the best defenders in football.
Baker, who played college football at the University of Washington, was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft.
It didn’t take long for Baker to establish himself as one of the league’s top linebackers, as he made the Pro Bowl and earned a first-team All-Pro selection right after his rookie campaign.
Baker missed the Pro Bowl in 2018 but has made five straight trips since then, including another First Team All-Pro nod and a Second Team All-Pro selection.
The Ravens have a great defense, but their pass defense has been a big hole this season, ranking just 31st in the NFL.
Baltimore’s front office is clearly aware of the issues with the secondary and will certainly do so due to their due diligence over the next few weeks.
However, whether the Ravens would be willing to part with some serious recruiting capital to pry Baker away from the Cardinals remains to be seen.
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