The Detroit Lions are certainly going to look for ways to improve their roster ahead of a season in which the team has legitimate Super Bowl aspirations. But would they really explore adding to the safety position?
Well, Bleacher Report's Alex Kay apparently thinks so. In an article suggesting one trade for every team before the start of the season, he has Detroit sending the Arizona Cardinals a 2026 third-round pick for stud safety, Budda Baker.
Here's what Kay said about the trade for Baker, who is entering the final year of his deal and is hoping to sign an extension:
Budda Baker would be a fantastic fit in the Motor City not just for his immense skill, but also his cultural fit within the program head coach Dan Campbell has built. Baker has amassed 737 tackles, 7.5 sacks, seven interceptions, six forced fumbles and five fumble recoveries during his seven NFL seasons while emerging as a true locker room leader and tone-setter.
Detroit shouldn't hesitate to add another playmaker to this improving defense, and the secondary would see an instant boost from Baker's presence. Even within a safety group that currently includes Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brandon Joseph, Baker would stick out for his immense talent and quickly lock down a starting job
Baker is one of the better safeties in the NFL and would definitely provide a boost to the Lions' defense, especially against the run. But do they really need him?
That's a tricky question, really. The Lions already have a very good situation at the position with Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, but it couldn't hurt to add the caliber of player Baker is to the defense. Also, the status of the team's top backup at safety, Ifeatu Melifonwu, is up in the air as he's dealing with an injury.
“Not sure," head coach Dan Campbell said of Melifonwu's status. "He’s been out for a little while. Nothing that we feel like is long term, yet it’s continuing to take a little while. So I’m not too sure on that one. I don’t know when we’ll have him back or if he’ll be back what that timeline is.”
At this point, nothing should be off the table for the Lions as they look to deliver the franchise's first-ever Super Bowl. Baker would be a welcomed addition (and ideally they'd get an extension done so he isn't a rental), but adding a starting safety most definitely is not near the top of the list of priorities in Detroit.
At the end of the day, it's highly unlikely Detroit pulls the trigger on a move like this.
