The Jacksonville Jaguars have the makings of a legitimate AFC contender. However, their promising start could unravel if they cannot fix one glaring weakness. Liam Coen's team is 4-2 and sits atop the AFC South. They boast a physical rushing attack and a defense that has been particularly stingy against opposing ground games. Yet Jacksonville's secondary has struggled to contain passing attacks. Their 34-31 loss to Houston in London exposed just how costly those coverage problems can become. With the Jaguars entering their Week 7 bye, general manager James Gladstone has an opportunity to make a meaningful roster adjustment. The move worth exploring is a trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. The proven veteran could provide the communication, physicality, and leadership Jacksonville needs to make its defense more complete.
Secondary weakness
The Jaguars have plenty to like about their first six games. They opened with convincing victories over Cleveland and New England. They defeated Cincinnati and survived a tight divisional battle against Indianapolis before beating Philadelphia. Their record reflects a team capable of winning in different ways. The defense has also allowed just 17.3 points per game. Opponents have averaged approximately 72 rushing yards per contest, making Jacksonville one of the league's most effective run defenses.
The concern is what happens when opponents abandon the ground game and attack through the air. Jacksonville has surrendered an average of 283 yards through six games. The defeat to Houston illustrated how quickly that vulnerability can become decisive.
Injuries have also complicated the secondary's rotation. With Caleb Ransaw and Antonio Johnson dealing with injuries, Jacksonville has fewer dependable options for handling demanding coverage assignments. The bye week offers valuable recovery time, but it also gives the front office an opportunity to consider outside help.
Budda Baker makes sense
The Jaguars should explore sending a package centered on a 2027 third-round pick to Arizona for Baker. The veteran safety has earned six Pro Bowl selections. He brings years of experience playing in different defensive structures. His instincts, tackling ability, and willingness to attack downhill could give Jacksonville another dependable presence in the back end.
Baker's value extends beyond his individual production. Safeties must communicate coverage adjustments, recognize offensive formations, and help prevent explosive plays when cornerbacks are isolated. Jacksonville needs someone who can bring greater consistency to those responsibilities while helping younger defensive backs develop.
Baker has also demonstrated that he can contribute as a blitzer. Arizona's official statistics show he has recorded 3.5 sacks and one interception through six games. That's evidence of his ability to influence plays in multiple ways.
There is an important caveat, however. Baker is not coming off a flawless season. His coverage performance has been inconsistent. Jacksonville should not treat him as a magical solution to every secondary problem. The appeal lies in his experience and potential to improve communication across the defense.
The Cardinals would also need a compelling reason to part with him. Baker has publicly expressed his commitment to Arizona after previous contract uncertainty. The Jaguars cannot assume he is available simply because a trade makes sense on paper.
Unlocking the defensive front
The biggest benefit of adding Baker might be the impact he has on everyone around him. With a more experienced safety directing traffic, the Jags could have greater flexibility in how they deploys their coverage shells. Jacksonville could disguise its intentions more effectively and rotate safeties after the snap. That will provide help when opposing offenses try to isolate vulnerable cornerbacks.
That flexibility could also help the pass rush. Josh Hines-Allen and Travon Walker have the ability to pressure quarterbacks. However, coverage breakdowns can allow opposing passers to release the ball before pressure arrives. If Baker helps force quarterbacks to hold the football longer, Jacksonville's edge rushers could benefit.
Baker's tackling could be equally valuable against perimeter screens and short completions. The Jaguars do not need to abandon their successful run defense to address their passing weaknesses. They need a secondary capable of complementing that strength.
Article Continues BelowThe acquisition could also reduce the burden on Travis Hunter. His two-way responsibilities already demand considerable physical and mental energy. A more stable secondary would give Jacksonville greater freedom to manage Hunter's defensive workload.
Strike without overpaying
The Jaguars should investigate Baker's availability during their bye. Of course, they must also remain disciplined about compensation and finances. A third-round pick is a reasonable starting point for discussions. That said Arizona could demand more given Baker's experience and importance to its defense.
GM James Gladstone should also assess whether the contract fits Jacksonville's long-term plans. The objective is to strengthen the roster, not sacrifice future flexibility for a recognizable name.
Jacksonville has earned its 4-2 start, but its next challenge is proving that it can compete with elite passing offenses. If Baker becomes available at a reasonable price, he deserves serious consideration.