The Carolina Panthers are just days away from playing their second preseason game. The first preseason game went well, as the Panthers came away with a last-second win.
It's still early, but it seems like most of the starting spots on the Panthers are spoken for. If there's one big question mark, it's the other safety spot next to Tre'von Moehrig.
Veteran Nick Scott is the favorite to win the job, but he's been mediocre over the last two seasons. Young safeties Zakee Wheatley and Lathan Ransom have shown some flashes, but neither may be ready to start right away.
If none of the internal options pan out, perhaps the Panthers would explore a trade. In that case, there's one name that makes a ton of sense.
Budda Baker Makes Sense For Carolina
Zach Roberts of Panthers OnSI recently identified Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals as a logical trade target. Baker has been one of the most consistent safeties in the league, and it's frequently been rumored that he wants out.
"The Cardinals are pretty bad and they play in an absolutely loaded division. They need assets, and Baker is both aging and expensive," Roberts explained. "Unfortunately, Baker's coverage has dipped in recent years, but he's still a much better and more proven commodity than any of the three options the Panthers are currently working with. Ransom and Wheatley are young, and Scott just isn't that good."
As Roberts pointed out, Baker would clearly be an upgrade over Scott, Wheatley, or Ransom. The veteran is now 30, but he still had a Pro Bowl season in 2025 and is still one of the more reliable safeties in the league.
Baker played in 16 games in 2025 and collected 120 tackles, five pass breakups, four tackles for loss, and one interception. Pro Football Focus gave the veteran a 76.6 run defense grade, which ranked 23rd out of 98 safeties.
"Baker is obviously on the decline, but that just means he can play until Ransom or Wheatley is ready to start full-time, mentoring them and providing improved safety play in the interim," Roberts added. "It's a win-win for everyone involved, including the asset-needy rebuilding Cardinals."
Baker's pass coverage has taken a step back, but he would be a perfect stopgap option. As Roberts said, Baker could handle starting duties in 2026 before passing the baton to Wheatley or Ransom next offseason.
Baker is under contract through the 2027 season, so the Panthers wouldn't be locked into a long-term commitment. The veteran is one of the most important Cardinals, though, so the team won't let him go for cheap.
