With veteran James Bradberry on injured reserve, and Avonte Maddox apparently the team’s best option at nickelback, the Philadelphia Eagles are an injury away from a potential disaster at the safety position.
With his defense struggling in all areas through two weeks, could general manager Howie Roseman land a difference-maker via trade for his secondary?
Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report named the Eagles in a potential blockbuster move in his NFL Trade Big Board for Week 3.
Six-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals is widely seen as one of the NFL’s top trade assets. In the midst of a contract year, the 28-year-old superstar would be an elite one-year rental for Super Bowl hopefuls leading up to the league’s Nov. 5 trade deadline.
Here’s Knox’s take on how Baker could take Philly’s defense to the next level:
Few teams couldn't use Baker on the back end of their defense. The caveat for interested teams is that acquiring him would likely necessitate a contract extension. Baker has been the subject of trade speculation ever since he requested a new deal or a trade last offseason—though he ultimately agreed to a pay bump over his final two years instead.
Given their ongoing issues in the secondary, the Eagles should be very interested in trying to pry Baker away from Arizona. Philly has a solid safety tandem in C.J. Gardner-Johnson and Reed Blankenship, but Baker is a versatile defender who could thrive in Vic Fangio's disguised-coverage schemes.
Aside from the obvious play-making ability, the main thing Baker would give the Eagles is more options. Rookie cornerback Cooper DeJean has been stuck in defensive coordinator Vic Fangio’s doghouse due to missed practice time early in training camp, even though he’s been healthy and practicing now for well over a month. Isaiah Rodgers and Kelee Ringo, cornerbacks who were expected to contribute this season, have not gotten many opportunities so far.
It’s possible the Eagles are not happy with their secondary depth. A blockbuster move like this could be the shakeup they need.
MORE EAGLES NEWS:
Ex-Eagles 1st-round pick trolls Pats on IG, promptly gets released
NFL picks, predictions Week 3: Philadelphia Eagles at New Orleans Saints
Eagles roster longshot outshines starters in just 9 snaps vs. Falcons
Ineligible man downfield penalties: Why Eagles O-line was repeatedly flagged vs. Falcons
Eagles ‘tush push’ play was working vs. Falcons. Why not use it late?
Eagles Week 2 snap counts: Cooper DeJean remains stuck in Vic Fangio's dog house
Eagles pass rush, including $51M free agent, nonexistent in loss to Falcons
What Jahan Dotson contributed to the Eagles on the 57 snaps he played
