Arizona Cardinals GM shuts down Budda Baker trade rumors

ARIZONA – Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has been the heart and soul of the organization for years, although trade rumors surrounding the All-Pro have been prominent since he requested a trade in the 2023 offseason.

Baker had his deal reworked by Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort to secure more guaranteed money, although no new years were added to his deal, leaving free agency an option at the end of this season.

As the league’s trade deadline (Nov. 5) approaches, Baker rumors have picked up again.

Ossenfort put an end to it during his appearance on Arizona Sports’ Wolf and Lucas.

‘I would say: don’t believe everything you read. Budda is a big part of what we do… not just on the field, but off the field and the leadership he provides,” said Ossenfort (h/t Tyler Drake).

“I think there’s a lot of misinformation going around at this time of year, whether it’s about our players or someone else’s players. Unfortunately, that’s the world we live in. … I couldn’t be happier to have Budda with us.”

Ossenfort previously said there is no timetable on possible extensions for Baker and running back James Conner, although it is clear the Cardinals will not trade one of their best players.

Arizona is currently 4-4 and atop the NFC West thanks to tiebreakers against the Seattle Seahawks and San Francisco 49ers.

The Cardinals host the Chicago Bears and New York Jets for back-to-back home games before their bye week in Week 11.