As the 2024 NFL season heats up, both the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets find themselves in challenging positions with their star players.
In Arizona, safety Budda Baker is in the final year of his contract and could potentially leave after this season. Baker has long been a central figure in the franchise, especially on defense.
Meanwhile, the Jets are dealing with pass rusher Haason Reddick, who has yet to report despite the team trading a third-round pick for him in the offseason. Reddick is reportedly seeking a new deal, and it appears increasingly likely that New York might part ways with a significant player who hasn’t yet suited up for them.
There’s speculation about potential trades involving these stars, and ESPN suggests that a swap between Baker and Reddick could benefit both teams.
Ben Solak elaborates:
“Why this deal makes sense for both sides: Could Reddick return to the Cardinals, the team that drafted him and nearly ended his career? The current Cardinals’ management is relatively new but familiar with Reddick. He had his best season in 2022 under Arizona’s then-defensive coordinator, Jonathan Gannon, now the Eagles’ defensive coordinator. The Cardinals need pass-rush help following BJ Ojulari’s injury and have the funds to pay Reddick.”
“However, moving Reddick from New York is challenging. GM Joe Douglas is under pressure to ensure a successful season, which makes trading for picks rather than players a tough sell. The Cardinals would need to send Baker, who is also in the final year of his contract and had requested a trade last offseason. Despite the Jets’ internal appreciation for Tony Adams, Baker would provide the immediate impact Douglas and head coach Robert Saleh need.”
Last week, Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort mentioned there’s no strict deadline for contract extensions with players like Baker or running back James Conner.
“We were able to finalize extensions for Zaven and Fro,” Ossenfort told Arizona Sports’ Wolf & Luke. “Discussions with other players are ongoing, and these situations are handled on a case-by-case basis. We value what Budda and James bring as captains and high-level performers.”
Reddick, who was drafted by the Cardinals in 2017, was previously teammates with Baker. As Reddick approaches his 30th birthday, the Cardinals are eager to boost their pass rush, and while a trade involving Baker might make sense on paper, it’s unlikely to happen.
