The Buffalo Bills reportedly made an aggressive push to acquire Arizona Cardinals defensive back Budda Baker to their roster, but ultimately traded with the Tennessee Titans to get Amani Hooker. Baker, 30, would've given Buffalo (7-1) an eight-time Pro Bowl safety for their secondary, an area the team was looking to address ahead of Tuesday's trade deadline. Baker would've joined a team firmly in contention for the AFC title and a potential Super Bowl appearance.
On Tuesday, NFL insider Jordan Schultz reported that the Bills made an aggressive move for Baker, but the Cardinals "gave the impression" they didn't want to part ways with a "franchise icon" despite the team struggling this season. Arizona is currently 3-6 overall and sitting at the bottom of the NFC West, while the San Francisco 49ers, Los Angeles Rams, and Seattle Seahawks are all contending for the division. More news: Justin Jefferson Responds to Vikings QB Trade Buzz After MNF Loss to Bills Baker is currently in his 10th NFL season, all of which he's played for the Cardinals.
He's tallied 1,083 total tackles, 13.5 sacks, eight forced fumbles, and nine interceptions during those seasons with Arizona. On Monday, ESPN's Jeremy Fowler indicated he believed that Baker "would welcome chance to play for contender if AZ entertains talks." Fowler also indicated the Titans were getting calls on Hooker, but wanted to keep him on the roster. Baker would've been a significant addition to Buffalo's defense.
The Bills allow 238.8 passing yards to opponents per game, currently the fourth-worst when it comes to pass defense in the NFL. Instead, Buffalo sent a second-round pick in exchange for a younger and less expensive player, Hooker, and a fifth-round pick. Hooker is playing in his eighth NFL season and has recorded 467 total tackles, one sack, and 17 interceptions so far in his career.
He was a Pro Bowl alternate for the 2024 NFL season and has often been given Pro Bowl-level praise for his on-field work. The former Titan also fills an immediate hole in the starting secondary. ESPN's updated depth chart says he will start alongside strong safety Cole Bishop, with Damar Hamlin moving into a reserve role.
Hooker has experience playing both safety spots and arrives in Buffalo with five interceptions, 52 tackles and six passes defended this season. Buffalo's aggressive pursuit of Baker before acquiring Hooker shows just how determined the Bills are to build a championship-caliber defense and help Josh Allen finally reach the Super Bowl, something he's yet to do in his impressive career. The Bills next visit the struggling N.Y.
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