The Buffalo Bills have a secondary problem. If we're being honest, they've had one for years. While Buffalo has an elite quarterback, a dominant offensive line, a dynamic running back, talented pass-catchers, and an underrated defensive front, their secondary (specifically their safeties) still holds them back.
The Bills' safety need is more pressing now than ever. They released C.J. Gardner-Johnson this week, leaving Damar Hamlin and Cole Bishop as their starters.
With the trade deadline rapidly approaching, Buffalo has to make a move. Sure, they could seek out a low-cost veteran to plug the hole. But why not take a big swing for a star like Budda Baker? That kind of move could be exactly what the Bills need to fuel a Super Bowl run.
Budda Baker should be at the top of the Bills' trade deadline wish list
Outside of safety, linebacker is arguably the Bills' biggest need at the deadline. In a way, Baker could solve both needs with one trade. He's at his best when put in a free-roaming role, letting him diagnose plays and drive on the ball quickly. Against the run, he operates like a linebacker, filling gaps and making one-on-one tackles.
His ability to make an impact against both the run and the pass has made him an eight-time Pro-Bowler. He's one of the best safeties in the NFL, even if he doesn't get the publicity of players in larger markets.
Baker would slot in as the Bills' strong safety, helping improve the run defense and holding coverage together on the back end. He's as close to a fix-all as this defense is going to find at the deadline.
A midseason trade for a star player who has spent his entire career with one team may feel like a pipe dream. But according to Jeremy Fowler, Baker might be open to a move.
Fowler recently said, "Budda Baker remains on my radar, though he has been a Cardinals lifer and would be hard to trade. But my sense is the consistent losing has weighed on him, and teams such as Buffalo or Jacksonville could try to take advantage of that."
The Cardinals may be inclined to send Baker to a contender after seeing his loyalty to the franchise. If that's the case, Brandon Beane should already be making the call.
It's unclear exactly how much the Bills would need to give up in a trade for Baker. He's a Pro Bowl-caliber player, but he plays a non-premium position and is already 30 years old. With that in mind, a third-round pick might be enough to get a deal done.
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