Three Trades Lions Could Make to Acquire Budda Baker

Proposal two

Lions trade: 2027 fourth-round pick.
Cardinals trade: Baker.

This is the best estimate for what it may take for Detroit to land Baker straight up. Because he's on the older side, as well as the money he's still due, the asking price may not be super high even with all the accolades he's accumulated throughout his career.

Baker is well-worth a fourth-round pick for Detroit given their current safety situation. While the overall likelihood of this deal depends on Joseph's prognosis, there's a real argument to be made that he would elevate the defense.

Proposal three

Lions trade: TE Sam LaPorta, 2027 third-round pick.
Cardinals trade: Baker, EDGE Josh Sweat, 2027 fourth-round pick.

To be clear: LaPorta is by all means a cornerstone player for Detroit. Even with recent rumors about contract extension talks reaching an impasse between player and team, the Lions' track record suggests that eventually a deal will get done or the team will use the franchise tag to keep him for another year.

However, for the sake of making a blockbuster deal, why not include LaPorta in a hypothetical deal? The Cardinals already have one of the NFL's best tight ends in Trey McBride, and adding LaPorta would add another passing threat and give new head coach Mike LaFleur the ability to scheme up some unique 12 personnel looks.

Meanwhile, the Lions would get two defensive difference makers. Like Baker, Arizona's current situation has lent credence to the thought that Sweat could be dealt. Sweat asked for a trade during the offseason, with the Lions being a natural fit at the time due to their need for pass-rush help.

Even with early returns being positive on the addition of D.J. Wonnum, the Lions could always use more help for a defense that currently leads the league in sacks, and with LaPorta's contract expiring they could capitalize even with how expensive this deal would be given Sweat and Baker's contracts.