NFL Analysis Network

This Falcons-Cardinals Trade Sends Budda Baker To Atlanta

The Atlanta Falcons came into the 2023 offseason with a great opportunity to upgrade their roster. Only the Chicago Bears had more cap space than Atlanta heading into free agency and both teams wasted little time in making major additions to their teams.

The Falcons focused a lot of their attention on the defensive side of the ball. Their biggest splash was signing safety Jessie Bates III away from the Cincinnati Bengals. Kaden Elliss and David Onyemata left the New Orleans Saints for the Falcons, while veteran Calais Campbell joined after being released by the Baltimore Ravens.

In 2022, Atlanta’s defense was very poor. They ranked 23 in points allowed and 27th in yardage allowed, so the additions in free agency will certainly help. But, it certainly wouldn’t hurt to continue adding some talent to that side of the ball.

The team could certainly find a defender they like in the 2023 NFL Draft, where they will be picking 8th overall. Or, they could dip into the trade market, where a star has recently come available.

Safety Budda Baker officially requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals, who are entering a rebuild with a new regime in place. Baker is one of the best safeties in the NFL and would make for a dynamic pairing with the newly signed Bates.

Baker was the No. 36 overall pick in the 2017 NFL Draft out of Washington. In six seasons with the Cardinals, he has earned five Pro Bowls and three All-Pro nominations, two first-team and one second-team.

While safety isn’t a premier position in the NFL, as a quarterback or pass rusher would be considered, Baker should command a hefty price on the trade market. What could a deal between the Falcons and Cardinals look like?

A suggested trade package would be a 2023 second-round pick, a 2024 third-round pick and safety Richie Grant heading to Arizona with Baker heading to Atlanta. While this trade package lacks a first-round pick, Grant would be a nice get for the Cardinals.

A second-round pick in the 2021 NFL Draft, Grant had a breakout 2022 campaign. He racked up 123 total tackles with seven passes defended and two interceptions. Arizona would be getting an immediate, young starter to help reshape their defense and still get valuable draft capital.

The Falcons would now have arguably the best safety duo in the league pairing Baker with Bates. It would be a major turnaround from what they had on defense in 2022, as that unit would be a strength for the team instead of their weakness.

Most importantly, Atlanta would keep their first-round pick in this scenario. All of the other suggested trade packages included a first-rounder, but none involved a player that has performed at the level Grant has. His inclusion should more than offset the lack of first-round capital.

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