The Detroit Lions are considered a Super Bowl favorite and boast a roster loaded with young talent on both sides of the ball, thanks to general manager Brad Holmes‘ strong drafting in recent years.
One of the Lions’ biggest draft weekend coups over the past two years was the addition of former University of Alabama standout Brian Branch at safety.
Branch, chosen No. 45 overall in the second round of the 2023 draft, burst onto the scene as a rookie by producing 74 total tackles with three interceptions — returning one for a touchdown, along with 13 pass breakups, one sack, and one forced fumble.
However, after C.J. Gardner-Johnson’s departure via free agency to the Philadelphia Eagles, one of the Lions’ few remaining needs on defense is a veteran complement alongside Branch.
That could be about to change.
Could Budda Baker Trade Put Detroit Lions Over The Top?
Baker has made it clear over the past two offseasons that he would prefer the chance to chase a Super Bowl ring, rather than continue to be a key piece of a rebuilding defense in Arizona.
Bleacher Report put together a list of trades that could and should happen before the season begins, including the following deal 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.
