After proving to be an issue in 2023, the Detroit Lions’ defense has been improved overall over the first four games of the 2024 campaign, with Detroit giving up nearly three points less per contest.
But that doesn’t mean the Lions shouldn’t be exploring ways to improve. The biggest area of need comes at edge rusher in the wake of Marcus Davenport’s injury, but one NFL analyst believes Detroit should bolster its secondary.
In an article suggesting landing spots for some of the top players who could be on the move at next month’s deadline, Bleacher Report’s Kristopher Knox listed the Lions as a potential trade suitor for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
“The Detroit Lions, who have a fully-open Super Bowl window, should be interested (in Baker),” Knox wrote. “Detroit’s defense has been better this year but ranks in the bottom half of the league in yards allowed. The Lions also recently placed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve.”
The Lions don’t necessarily need Baker, especially not as much as a pass-rusher, but they would be hard-pressed to pass up on a six-time Pro Bowler if he becomes available.
Detroit already has Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph atop the depth chart at safety, but they are lacking depth behind those two with Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve.
Baker would give the Lions an elite safety trio that would make for an excellent rotation. Baker is decent in coverage, but he really shines in the box against the run.
The Cardinals will likely be open to trading Baker, who is in the final year of a four-year, $ 59 million deal. But chances are they will only do so if they’re not in the playoff hunt come Nov. 5.
Having Baker would be more of a luxury for the Lions than anything else, but in a season in which the team is shooting for a Super Bowl, nothing should be off the table if it helps Detroit achieve its goal.
