GLENDALE — The Arizona Cardinals did not make a trade before Tuesday’s 2 p.m. MST NFL trade deadline, keeping safety Budda Baker and edge rusher Josh Sweat despite weeks of rumors, Arizona Sports reported.
The Buffalo Bills had “very strong” interest in Baker, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz, but Arizona held on to its longtime defensive leader. Buffalo instead acquired Tennessee Titans safety Amani Hooker, sending a second-round pick and receiving a fifth-rounder in return.
Arizona Sports’ John Gambadoro had reported ahead of the deadline that the Cardinals would stand pat.
The Cardinals had already made two trades this season, sending wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans last month and quarterback Jacoby Brissett to the Baltimore Ravens last week, collecting draft picks in both deals.
Arizona entered the deadline at 3-6, three games out of a playoff spot, with games coming up against the Los Angeles Rams and Kansas City Chiefs.
Injuries have piled up. Wide receivers Michael Wilson and Kendrick Bourne are out for the season, and quarterback Gardner Minshew was placed on injured reserve with an elbow injury. Running back Jeremiyah Love, the No. 3 overall pick, and left tackle Paris Johnson Jr. are also on IR, and center Hjalte Froholdt is in the concussion protocol, according to Arizona Sports.
Rookie quarterback Carson Beck is in line to make his first NFL start Sunday against the Rams.
Arizona Sports’ analysis suggested the front office may have wanted more in return or may prefer to evaluate Baker and Sweat through the offseason.
Around the league, the deadline was busy: Kirk Cousins was traded to Minnesota, and Indianapolis continued selling off veterans.
Sources: Arizona Sports. Thee Arizona Times uses AI-assisted reporting reviewed against the sources listed.
Photo: Gerald Nino/CBP / Public domain via Wikimedia Commons.
