Former Washington Huskies star Budda Baker has established himself as a cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals franchise.
Now in his tenth season in the NFL after the Cardinals selected him in the second round of the 2017 NFL draft, Baker has made eight Pro Bowls and four All-Pro teams as he's compiled 1,083 tackles, 55 for loss, 13.5 sacks, 9 interceptions, 48 pass breakups, 8 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries over his career.
However, he's played in just one playoff game, and with Arizona sitting at 3-6 and in last place in the NFC West, it appears to be another lost season for the 30-year-old. That led to the Cardinals receiving serious interest in him during Tuesday's NFL trade deadline, and the Buffalo Bills reportedly made a big effort
to add him.
Sources: Prior to trading for Amani Hooker, the #Bills made a very strong push for #Cardinals 8x Pro Bowl S Budda Baker.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) November 10, 2026
Arizona gave off the impression they don’t want to trade a franchise icon - despite a lost season - and Buffalo eventually got a deal done in Tennessee. pic.twitter.com/JkFizD66zf
According to ESPN's Jeremy Fowler, the Bills "made a play for Baker with what one source considered a compelling package." However, Fowler added that "Arizona did not want to trade him because he's viewed as the heart and soul of the team."
Buffalo wound up making a similar deal with the Tennessee Titans for safety Amani Hooker, sending a second- and fifth-round pick to the struggling AFC South organization for the 28-year-old who, like Baker, had spent his entire career with one team.
Baker has one year remaining on his deal after signing a three-year, $54 million extension with the Cardinals in 2024 and is a candidate to be cut in the offseason to save money against the salary cap. Through nine games this season, he has compiled 62 tackles, 4 for loss, a career-high 3.5 sacks, 4 pass breakups, an interception, and a forced fumble.
This article originally appeared on Huskies Wire: Former Washington star was prime target to be dealt at trade deadline
