Budda Baker says he is staying present amid trade rumors

TEMPE — If you look up NFL trade candidates online, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker shows up on nearly every list.

The 30-year-old is in his 10th NFL season — all with the Cardinals — and continues to make an impact despite the lack of team success. The Cardinals are 2-5 with two games left until the trade deadline, and they have not won a playoff game in Baker’s tenure.

On Friday, while wearing a horrific clown mask ahead of Halloween, Baker addressed the trade rumors that continue to swirl ahead of the Nov. 10 deadline.

“Just living in the present,” Baker said, his voice muffled by the rubber mask he used to scare teammates. “Like today, having a great time with you guys, and going to have a great Friday practice. Just focus on playing against the Dallas Cowboys and trying to get a W at their stadium.”

Baker told ESPN’s Josh Weinfuss earlier this week that he was happy to be a Cardinal and hoped to remain with the team, but he understood the business.

The veteran has 3.5 sacks, four passes defensed and an interception this season. He leads Arizona with four tackles for loss.

Baker and edge rusher Josh Sweat have been the two most prominent Cardinals living with trade rumors after the team dealt wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Houston Texans earlier this month. ESPN and The Athletic both recently posted trade candidates lists that put Sweat and Baker in the top 15.

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