The Pittsburgh Steelers have undergone some big changes this offseason. For the first time in two decades, Mike Tomlin will no longer be on the sideline, and several new playmakers were added.
Aaron Rodgers is coming back for a final season, so it's clear the team is planning on contending. The team added stud wide receiver Michael Pittman Jr. this offseason, as well as a few defensive backs like Jamel Dean, Darnell Savage Jaquan Brisker.
While it certainly seems like the secondary will be better after those additions, there's a case to be made the team could add even more there. As a result, Steelers On SI's Jacob Punturi identified one logical trade candidate for the Steelers.
Budda Baker named as trade target for Steelers
Punturi believes Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals would be a perfect Steeler. Baker has spent his entire career with the Cardinals and has been one of the best safeties in the league during that time.
Baker has made the Pro Bowl eight times in nine years and also has two First-team All-Pro honors. The veteran has had at least 100 tackles in six different seasons and has eight interceptions in his career.
Regarding his fit in Pittsburgh, Punturi offered the following:
The Pittsburgh pass defense was one of the NFL's worst in 2025. They finished with the fourth-worst defense stopping the pass, allowing an average of 243.9 passing yards per contest. They also finished 24th in total yards allowed, surrendering 356.9 total yards per game.
The Steelers could use Baker as a center fielder in their new defense. That would put him back in his element and free up DeShon Elliott to be an aggressive strong safety alongside him. When Elliott was at his best in 2024, he was shot out of a cannon exploding toward the ball carrier and line of scrimamge. He can play any role asked of him, but his sure tackling is a huge addition to the team's rushing defense.
As Punturi mentioned, The Steelers could use Baker as the leader of the secondary. Baker's playstyle would pair with DeShon Elliott, and Baker would be immediately be the best safety the team has deployed in years.
In 2025, Baker played in 16 games and collected 120 tackles, four tackles for loss, five pass breakups, and one interception. Baker was one of the few bright spots on a bad Cardinals' team, and it's possible the team could finally trade the veteran as they seem headed for another tough season.
Baker wouldn't be a pure rental for the Steelers, either. The veteran carries a $19 million cap hit in 2026 and then has a $20 million cap hit in 2027 before hitting free agency again.
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