Philadelphia Eagles general manager Howie Roseman is drawing heat for some of his 2024 free agent signings, particularly linebacker Devin White – who was released before even playing a game for the Eagles – and the invisible smuggler Bryce Huff.
Another move that was celebrated in March but seemed to be going in the wrong direction was reuniting the Eagles with safety CJ Gardner-Johnson.
CJGJ’s first stint in Philadelphia, during the 2022 season, was great. He had a career year with 67 solo tackles and six interceptions as the Eagles headed to Super Bowl LVII.
Returning to Philadelphia after a year with the Detroit Lions, CJGJ was unable to replicate the kind of impact play that saw him thrive under former defensive coordinator Sean Desai.
By PFFGardner-Johnson has struggled with eight missed tackles in four games this season. He is one of the lowest-rated defenders on the team after the first month of the season with a grade of 50.6. The only lower starter is middle linebacker Nakobe Dean (41.9).
For this reason, the Jeff Diamond of the 33rd teamformer general manager of the Minnesota Vikings and team president of the Tennessee Titans, believes Roseman and the Eagles will look for upgrades at the safety position before the NFL trade deadline on November 5.
In one of five bold deadline predictions, Diamond named Philadelphia as the landing spot for disgruntled All-Pro safety Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals. Here is the full version:
Buddha Baker is a six-time Pro Bowler and three-time All-Pro who has had a tumultuous relationship with the Cardinals front office over his contract in recent years.
He signed a four-year extension worth $59 million in 2020, which made him the highest-paid safety in the league at the time, but he wasn’t happy with the deal after a few seasons. He received a salary increase without an extension for the 2023 and 2024 seasons and will enter free agency next March if not extended.
Baker is off to a good start to the season with 52 tackles (fourth in the league), but he had no interceptions, forced fumbles or fumble recoveries last season or through five games in 2024.
He’s a former second-round pick of the Cardinals who, at 28 years old, has plenty of quality seasons left. He’s an interesting potential target for teams looking for help on defense, provided they can handle his $14.2 million base salary this season and future demands.
Arizona is coming off an upset win in San Francisco and, at 2-3, could be an NFC playoff contender. Their defense isn’t great (25th ranked, even with Baker). They may decide to hang on to their leading tackler, but if they think he’s leaving in 2025 free agency (which is likely) and the team is still below .500 at the deadline trades, a good offer could entice them to trade Baker. .
Eagles general manager Howie Roseman has never shied away from adding talented players. The Eagles are treading water at 2-2 but are in the NFC East race and have a winnable series of games before the trade deadline (Browns, Giants, Bengals and Jaguars, after which they face Dallas and Washington). -back).
Philadelphia’s defense was second in 2022 when it was a Super Bowl team, but it fell to 26th last season in a season that ended poorly with losses in six of its last seven games, including including a playoff blowout at Tampa Bay. who then beat them again 33-16 two weeks ago before their bye. The Eagles D currently rank 27th and Baker would be a clear upgrade over starting safeties Reed Blankenship and CJ Gardner-Johnson.
The Eagles have the cap space and draft capital (a second-round pick would likely be needed) to make a deal for Baker. I think this would be a positive step for an Eagles defense that could use an impact player like Baker.
The Eagles have their share of holes on their roster heading into the trade deadline, including the No. 3 wide receiver. The secondary is another area that would be wise to shore up, especially with rookie Cooper DeJean set to make his first career NFL start at nickel in Sunday’s game against the Cleveland Browns.
If the first month of the season has taught us anything about the Eagles, it’s this: The team has above-average talent, but little depth at several critical positions. Philadelphia definitely feels like it’s on the cusp of true Super Bowl contender status in 2024, and acquiring a versatile superstar like Baker certainly qualifies.
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