In broad sense over the course of the offseason, if only for depth, safety could have been on the list of needs for the Detroit Lions. Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch were recovering from offseason surgeries, and Ifeatu Melifonwu had durability concerns until he shows otherwise.
But it didn't make sense to pursue a notable acquisition unless things went badly there, even as at least one outlet kept pushing the idea of a particular veteran safety as a trade target for the Lions.
Now, with the Lions at their bye week, Melifonwu has yet to play this season due to an ankle/Achilles injury he suffered in training camp and he will miss a few more games after he was finally placed on IR. Branch missed Week 4 with an illness, after suffering an concussion in Week 3 but clearing protocol. Branch's post-bye health/availability is not a concern, but even with the move to playing safety a lot more this season he is still lining up all over the formation for Aaron Glenn.
Lions rumors: Trade winds shifting regarding Budda Baker?
Bleacher Report was back at it again heading into Week 5, offering the Lions as a suitor for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker.
"The Detroit Lions could be interested in Baker as well. They are chasing a title and recently placed safety Ifeatu Melifonwu on injured reserve with an ankle/Achilles injury."
"Melifonwu hasn't played yet this season, and the Lions have a solid safety tandem in Brian Branch and Kerby Joseph, but it's not hard to envision them finding room for Baker in their secondary rotation."
Baker is in the final year of his contract, and he previously asked the Cardinals to be traded. As of Oct. 1, via Over The Cap, the prorated portion of his $14.2 million salary for this year would leave an acquiring team picking up $11.044 million. That dollar figure would drop by $788,888 per week.
Baker is having a nice season so far, with 39 total tackles, three tackles for loss and one pass breakup. He is Pro Football Focus' 16th-best safety by overall grade entering Week 5, with a top-10 run defense grade (78.0).
Then there's this from Lions on SI, as a follow-up to fans clamoring for the team to trade for Raiders defensive end Maxx Crosby.
"Another name to keep an eye on for the Lions is Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker. After Detroit got a first-hand look at his effort level, there is no question he could be a player the front office targets, if the Cardinals find themselves continuing to struggle over the next four weeks."
The 1-3 Cardinals could move all the way into seller territory as the trade deadline approaches, and Baker stands as a player who could easily be on the move.
It was easy to brush off the idea of the Lions making a deal for Baker. But their circumstances have changed, with no guarantee Melifonwu suits up anytime soon. So even with safety not at the top of their need list, Baker has become a realistic potential fit and his being named as a player to watch for the Lions adds a layer of intrigue.