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GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
Budda Baker is in the middle of his 10th season as the centerpiece for the Arizona Cardinals.
The former All-Pro safety has been a pillar of the organization since entering the league as a second-round draft pick in 2017.
Now, his future is uncertain as the November 10 trade deadline approaches. It seems likely that the Cardinals will decide to move on for draft capital.
Follow Baker’s stance on the possible parting of ways in Arizona below.
Baker Takes Stand on Cardinals’ Future Clearly
It’s pretty clear where the University of Washington product stands with less than two weeks to go before the trade deadline.
Baker spoke with Josh Weinfuss (ESPN) on Wednesday. The 30-year-old star didn’t make a trade request, but didn’t make a point of not moving on either.
However, the eight-time Pro Bowl selection wants to stay with the Cardinals long-term. Baker uses the frequent inclusion of his name as a trade target over the years to put it all in perspective. While he has a desire to finish his career in Arizona, he understands the business side of the league and wouldn’t be opposed to a change of scenery.
How these dynamics work together in decision making. Does Arizona’s current safety arrangement influence a final call?
What Will Drive the Cardinals’ Final Decision?
The decision could come down to what draft capital the Cardinals can get in return for the players on the block. The main target right now is EDGE Josh Sweat. It’s highly likely that Sweat will move on in the coming weeks, with the Cardinals likely to receive a quality draft pick in return.
If (when) this trade goes through, Baker will be the next subject of a possible trade. While the Cardinals haven’t moved from a foundation in a perfect world, circumstances may force their hand.
Baker is heading into the final year of his contract in 2027. Trading him now would ensure maximum return on value. Franchises like the Buffalo Bills could easily use the services of a safety with this skillset. There’s no point holding on to Baker without a plan to extend him (or contend) right now.
The other factor lies in the safeties currently in Arizona’s room. Although there are promising members of the room (Dadrion Taylor-Demerson, Kitan Crawford), it has yet to be proven at high volume.
Did it convince the Cardinals to pass on a trade and ensure the defensive unit has the best chance to steal some wins late in the season? This is certainly a possible approach that GM Monti Ossenfort could take, assuming he returns to the chair next season.
Until then, Baker remains one of the cornerstones of the 2026 team and the overall culture. He returns to action this Sunday, when the Cardinals take on Dak Prescott and the Dallas Cowboys in a spectacular road battle.
Cardinals-Cowboys kick off at 11:00 AM MST on Sunday from AT&T Stadium.
Kevin Hicks Kevin is a 2024 graduate of Arizona State University. He has more than three years of experience in the media, having developed his passion for many sports with a polished, unique style of storytelling. More about Kevin Hicks