The New England Patriots are looking high and mighty at this near-halfway point in the season. With a 6-2 record and a one-game lead at the top of the AFC East, the team is showing strong potential. Their second-year quarterback is looking like a top-5 signal caller in the NFL through eight games, further fueling optimism among fans and analysts alike.

### Areas for Reinforcement Ahead of the Trade Deadline

With the trade deadline approaching, the Patriots could use some reinforcement in a few key areas. Running back is one spot to target, especially in light of Antonio Gibson’s season-ending ACL tear and Rhamondre Stevenson’s toe injury, which could sideline him for up to three weeks.

However, the defense appears to be a clearer area of focus for General Manager Eliot Wolf and Head Coach Mike Vrabel. Among the defensive positions, safety stands out as the most logical addition, particularly since the team recently traded veteran Kyle Dugger to the Pittsburgh Steelers.

### Patriots Trade Proposal Lands All-Pro Safety Budda Baker

In a compelling trade proposal, the Patriots pursue All-Pro safety Budda Baker from the Arizona Cardinals. Baker, who currently plays for the struggling 2-5 Cardinals, would be a significant upgrade to New England’s secondary.

Though Kyle Dugger was not a starter by the end of his tenure, he remained a valuable rotational piece on defense. According to Bill Barnwell of ESPN, the Patriots would benefit from adding another safety before the deadline.

> “One of the few teams with defensive depth on the market, the Patriots consummated a pair of trades when they dealt Kyle Dugger to the Steelers and Keion White to the 49ers on Tuesday afternoon,” Barnwell wrote.
> “Both moves have been in the cards for most of the 2025 season, but the trades were more about getting rid of players who didn’t fit Mike Vrabel’s system than shipping off players from a position of strength. The Pats probably wouldn’t mind adding a safety to rotate in alongside Jaylinn Hawkins and rookie Craig Woodson.”

### Budda Baker Trade Makes Sense for Both Sides

Baker would be an ideal replacement for the Patriots. Despite turning 30 next January and entering his ninth NFL season, the former third-round pick remains incredibly sharp. He earned second-team All-Pro honors last season and has been one of the best safeties in the league for much of the past decade.

This year, Baker’s performance has dipped somewhat, but it’s important to remember that he’s currently playing on a struggling Cardinals team with little chance of success. A change of scenery and scheme — and the opportunity to play under elite head coach and defensive expert Mike Vrabel — could revitalize Baker’s form.

On the other side, the Cardinals would likely be open to moving one of their top but expensive veteran players. With a rebuild looming on both sides of the ball for Arizona, acquiring additional draft capital in exchange for Baker makes strategic sense.

### Trade Summary

**New England Patriots receive:** Budda Baker

This move gives the Patriots a proven, high-level safety to help them win now, while allowing the Cardinals to invest in their future. As the trade deadline nears, all eyes will be on these two teams to see if this proposed swap comes to fruition.
https://heavy.com/sports/kyle-dugger-replacement-idea-budda-baker/