NFL Trade Rumor: $105M Arizona Cardinals safety linked to Buffalo Bills and Jacksonville Jaguars amid Halloween mask press meet (Image via ESPN: Budda Baker)
Arizona Cardinals 30-year-old safety Budda Baker has become one of the most popular names circulating in the NFL trade discussions – back in the 2026 offseason and even now in the midseason. Wearing a traditional Halloween costume and conveniently hiding his true feelings, the 30-year-old safety said his entire focus is on Arizona’s next matchup against the Dallas Cowboys on November 1, 2026, at AT&T Stadium in Arlington, Texas.
Cowboys,” he said, shaking that scary costume with every sentence. I understand at the end of the day and that’s it. So, at the end of the day, I’m here, be where your feet are. I’m happy to be a Cardinal and just focus on getting a W this week vs.
Baker is scheduled to earn a $14.41 million base salary, a $1 million roster bonus, and a $500,000 workout bonus in 2026, according to Spotrac. He carries a $19.21 million cap hit and a $22.03 million dead cap value. Category Details Player Budda Baker Current Team Arizona Cardinals Possible Midseason Landing Spots Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Philadelphia Eagles Current Contract Status 2026 is the only third year of his 2024 NFL contract. Total Contract Value Baker signed a three-year, $54 million contract, including a $12.24 million signing bonus, $29.36 million in guaranteed money, and an average annual salary of $18 million. Cap Hit and Dead Cap Value In 2026, Baker is scheduled to earn a $14.41 million base salary, a $1 million roster bonus, and a $500,000 workout bonus, while carrying a $19.21 million cap hit and $22.03 million dead cap value. Years Left UFA [unrestricted free agent] in 2028, two years left. Total Career Earnings $105 million over 10 NFL seasons with the Arizona Cardinals.
Baker has not requested a trade or asked the Cardinals to keep him, according to ESPN. The Buffalo Bills, Jacksonville Jaguars, and Philadelphia Eagles are potential trade destinations for Budda Baker, according to NFL analyst Bucky Brooks. He expressed the desire to stay with the team. He understands the business side of professional football, but he has not specifically discussed his future with Arizona GM Monti Ossenfort. A new team entered the trade discussion: the Jacksonville Jaguars.