Bake a Trade

While the NFL awaits for the quarterback carousel featuring Aaron Rodgers and Lamar Jackson to come into place, the next major offseason domino to fall could involve one of the top defensive players in the league.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker remains locked into his trade request if he is not given a contract that would return him to the highest paid in the league at his position.

From NFL Now: The #AZCardinals have been dealing with a trade request from star Budda Baker for the last few months. He and the team both have very strong (and opposing) views. Buckle up. pic.twitter.com/DVqXCFEvMu

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2023

Under new Head Coach and former Eagles DC Jonathan Gannon, Arizona’s defense is still a major work in progress. With QB Kyler Murray recovering from a torn ACL and WR DeAndre Hopkins looking to be traded, the Cardinals have to make a decision on whether Baker fits their rebuild timeline. The three-time All Pro would be an instant upgrade to any team’s secondary and is surely could command value on the trade market. 

With one of the most trade-happy executives in the league in Howie Roseman and a major team need following the exit of both C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Marcus Epps, many wonder if Baker could end up being a Philadelphia Eagle.

Roseman could look to recreate the magic of the previous offseason, where the safety room looked underwhelming before an August trade for Gardner-Johnson transformed the backend into one of the best secondaries in the league.

The Eagles would provide a chance for Baker to win a Super Bowl, a position that could further entice the 2017 second round pick who only has one career playoff appearance and no postseason wins to his name. 

No deal would happen without proper cap space maneuvering and a bucking of the organizational trend to not pay top dollar for a safety. 

One thing for sure, however, is that the 27-year-old approves of the direction that the Eagles are heading in.

Hard work Always Prevails!!! Congrats to JHurts. Best thing about a guy like him is the work Never stops!

— Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 17, 2023

NFL Draft QBs

There will be plenty of options available for QB-needy teams in the first round of the 2023 NFL Draft.

According to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport, several of the top quarterback prospects are lined up for multiple pre-draft visits in the coming days.

The QB visit schedules over the next few days:
— The #Colts host Will Levis today.
— The #Panthers host Levis and CJ Stroud on Tuesday.
— The #Titans host Anthony Richardson today on a visit.
— The #Falcons host Richardson Tuesday.
— The #Ravens host Richardson Wednesday.

— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) April 17, 2023

While Bryce Young, C.J. Stroud, and Anthony Richardson have all been considered favorites at one point to be selected number one overall, the Carolina Panthers continue to do their due diligence by bringing in top prospect Will Levis as well. 

As of now, signs are pointing to the top pick going to Young. The 21-year-old Alabama QB has reportedly canceled his pre-draft visits, a sign of confidence that he will not have to wait long to hear his name called to the podium.

The landing spots for Richardson and Levis remain more difficult to pinpoint. While Richardson has already met with Carolina, teams picking as low as the number 22 Baltimore Ravens are eyeing the Florida QB as well. 

Offseason Workouts

The NFL offseason is picking up steam as players return to their team facilities for the start of voluntary workouts. 

However, in the midst of contract negotiations, several stars are not expected to be in attendance. 

#Raiders RB Josh Jacobs and #Jaguars TE Evan Engram haven’t signed their franchise tenders and won’t report for voluntary offseason programs today, per sources.

They join Lamar Jackson and Saquon Barkley as franchise players expected to be absent as players return to work today.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023

#Jets All-Pro DL Quinnen Williams won’t report for the start of the team’s voluntary offseason program today, per sources.

Williams, 25, said at the end of the season he wouldn’t attend without a new contract. He’s due $9.594 million on the fifth-year option on his rookie deal.

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 17, 2023

The absences range from official league policy, where un-signed players under the franchise tag are not able to participate in offseason activities, to players simply not wanting to participate until they secure a desired contract extension. 

Baltimore Ravens QB Lamar Jackson remains in the middle of tense contract negotiations under the non-exclusive franchise tag, while New York Giants RB Saquon Barkley looks for long-term security rather than the short-term money from playing one year under the franchise tag.

Meanwhile, New York Jets DT Quinnen Williams wants a pay-day rather than simply playing out his fifth-year option. The 2019 first round pick has flourished in Robert Saleh’s defense, culminating in a 2022 season with 11 sacks and his first All-Pro and Pro Bowl selections.

– Benjamin Paul is a staff writer for InsideTheBirds.com.

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