The Detroit Lions are considered a Super Bowl contender and have a roster stacked with youthful talent on both sides of the ball, courtesy to general manager Brad Holmes’ great drafting in previous years.
One of the Lions’ more significant draft weekend coups in the last two years has been the arrival of former University of Alabama great Brian Branch at safety.
Branch, selected 45th overall in the second round of the 2023 draft, made an immediate impact as a rookie, recording 74 total tackles, three interceptions (one returned for a score), 13 pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble.
However, with C.J. Gardner-Johnson leaving in free agency for the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the Lions’ few remaining defensive needs is a senior complement to Branch.
Could Budda Baker Trade Put Detroit Lions Over The Top?
Baker has made it apparent over the last two offseasons that he would rather pursue a Super Bowl ring than be a vital member of Arizona’s rebuilt defense.
Bleacher Report compiled a list of trades that might and should take place before the season begins, including the one that sends Baker to the Motor City:
Cardinals Get: 2025 Round 2 Pick, 2026 Round 6 Pick
Lions Get: S Budda Baker, 2026 Round 6 Pick
“The Detroit Lions are headed into one of the most eagerly anticipated seasons in franchise history,” Gary Davenport writes for Bleacher Report. “And while they don’t have many obvious weaknesses, Baker would be a massive upgrade over Kerby Joseph opposite Brian Branch at the back end of the defense.
“A second-round pick is more than Arizona would get in terms of compensation if Baker leaves in free agency next spring.”
Baker, 28, would add a significant veteran presence as one of the game’s premier playmakers at the position and plug a hole the 49ers exposed in Detroit’s secondary during January’s NFC Championship Game loss.
Boasting 87 total tackles last season, Baker is the type of player wh could put the Lions’ defense over the top and this would be a fascinating deal that could go a long way towards both franchises achieving their immediate needs; Arizona’s rebuild and the Lions’ Super Bowl chase.
