Jaguars: National analyst proposes 'realistic' Draft Day trade for All-Pro
The Jacksonville Jaguars finished last year as one of the very worst pass defenses in the entire NFL. The best and most likely way to change that? That would be the 24th overall pick of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft. But make no mistake about it, that could change on this year's draft via a […]
The Jacksonville Jaguars finished last year as one of the very worst pass defenses in the entire NFL. The best and most likely way to change that? That would be the 24th overall pick of the upcoming 2023 NFL Draft.
But make no mistake about it, that could change on this year's draft via a trade for a veteran player, as well. At least according to Pro Football Focus' Brad Spielberg, who made an intriguing "realistic draft day trade" proposal earlier in the week.
Here's what Spielberg proposes: The Jaguars send their third-round pick (No. 88) and one of their sixth-rounders (No. 202) to the Arizona Cardinals in exchange for defensive back Budda Baker.
If you ask me, that's quite a fair deal for the former All-Pro defender. And what's even better is that it would make a lot of sense for both parties involved. The Jaguars have a team that's ready to be a playoff contender. In all likelihood, Baker would make a significantly higher impact on the team than a third-round rookie.
As for the Cardinals, they're in fire sale mode. Quarterback Kyler Murray is expected to miss significant playing time and the roster is in really bad shape. Oddsmakers expect Arizona to be one of the very worst teams in the NFL next season. Every draft pick they can get is good for the long-term prospects of the team and getting rid of a veteran due $27.3 million over the next couple of years sounds like a good idea.
Speaking of which, Baker no longer has a guaranteed salary, which is good news for the Jags. They could trade for him and immediately restructure his contract to lower his $16.9M cap hit to around the $11M mark, per Over the Cap.
All in all, this could be a win-win situation if it plays out. Baker played all across the secondary for the Cardinals including 349 snaps in the box, 148 snaps in the slot, and 413 as the free safety, per PFF. Some have suggested the Jaguars could be targeting Brian Branch at 24th overall. Baker could be a good Plan B if that doesn't pan out in the first round.
