Cardinals S Budda Baker Has Not Requested Trade

“My approach is I’m here,” Baker said (via ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss). “I’m here. I want to win. I want to be here. And I’m just controlling what I can control, just taking it one week at a time, and hopefully when the deadline ends, I’ll still be here. If not, I mean, it’s a business. I understand at the end of the day and that’s it.”

Baker confirmed that he has not asked to be traded, although he has also not specifically requested general manager Monti Ossenfort keep him. The two have not spoken “about anything” at this point. As a result, plenty of uncertainty will no doubt loom over this situation for the time being. This year’s trade deadline falls on November 10.

Ossenfort has already swung one notable deal, sending third-year receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans. With respect to rentals, a number of Arizona players could be of interest to contending teams. Running back James Conner has been named as a trade candidate, and Baker would also represent a veteran addition for suitors. The latter is under contract through 2027, although none of Baker’s $16.01MM base salary for that year is guaranteed at this point.

The 30-year-old has spent his entire career in Arizona, earning Pro Bowl honors in eight of his first nine NFL seasons. Baker also has a total of four All-Pro nods (two first team, two second team) to his name. He has remained a full-time starter in 2026, racking up 44 tackles and four pass deflections in seven games. Baker already has a career high with 3.5 sacks, but a major impact in that department would not be expected by an acquiring team.

In the event of a swap, Baker’s next team would be responsible for the prorated remainder of his $14.42MM base salary for the current season. Contenders eyeing an upgrade in the secondary will no doubt make calls to Ossenfort, who could very well adopt a seller’s stance with Arizona sitting at 2-5.