If the Detroit Lions were to make a trade for a player as the 2024 season gets closer, now after initial roster cuts, it's easy to point to wide receiver as a position they might target. If not that, then maybe a backup quarterback or an experienced backup offensive lineman.
With Brian Branch making the move to safety, aided by the additions made at cornerback this offseason, the Lions look pretty good there. Branch and Kerby Joseph are healthy after offseason surgeries. Dan Campbell's almost troublingly vague injury outlook on Ifeatu Melifonwu after the last preseason game has given way to him not being placed on IR into the season, barring a surprise turn there.
The Lions did fill out their safety depth chart on the initial 53-man roster with a couple unproven commodities in Brandon Joseph and undrafted rookie Loren Strickland. But both earned their spot during camp and preseason games.
Going back to May, admittedly when Kerby Joseph had some concern attached to offseason hip surgery, Bleacher Report has beaten the drum that the Lions should trade for a certain veteran safety at least three times. There are lots of reasons it didn't or doesn't make sense, rooted in an assumption the Lions have three starting caliber safeties for two starting spots if all are healthy.
New trade proposal tries to have Lions fill need they still don't have
As part of a fresh list of trades each team should propose before the 2024 season starts, Alex Kay of Bleacher Report brought back the idea the Lions have a big void at safety they should pursue Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals to fill.
"The Detroit Lions have one of the better top-to-bottom rosters in the league right now. While the team doesn't need to make any big moves to keep itself in championship contention, it could still push itself closer to a Lombardi Trophy by acquiring an elite veteran defensive back."
"Detroit shouldn't hesitate to add another playmaker to this improving defense, and the secondary would see an instant boost from Baker's presence. Even within a safety group that currently includes Brian Branch, Ifeatu Melifonwu and Brandon Joseph, Baker would stick out for his immense talent and quickly lock down a starting job."
Kay completely omitted (or just forgot about) Kerby Joseph, who again is 100 percent healthy after offseason hip surgery and ready to keep being a ballhawk in the Lions' secondary. So there's not a starting job for Baker to come in and "lock down" right now.
It's not about Baker's talent level, or what the proposed trade cost is here (a 2026 third-round pick). The Lions just don't have a need at safety right now, let alone a need sufficient enough to consider trying to add someone of Baker's status/caliber.
It could become a conversation into the season or near the trade deadline, if someone is injured long-term. But right now, and B/R can keep beating the drum into an endless void all it wants, Baker will not be a Detroit Lion before the season starts.