ESPN proposes huge blockbuster trade between Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets

When it comes to their stars, the Arizona Cardinals and New York Jets find themselves in a precarious position as the 2024 regular season gets underway.

In the desert, safety Budda Baker is in the final year of his contract and could potentially leave next offseason. Baker has been the face of the franchise – or at least of Arizona's defense – for years.

In the Big Apple, the Jets have yet to sign pass rusher Haason Reddick, despite trading for him in the offseason with a third-round pick. Reddick reportedly wants a new contract, and with each passing day, it becomes more and more likely that New York could part ways with a big name who never played a snap for them.

There are rumors about a transfer of the respective stars and their situation on the team – and ESPN says a trade between the two would satisfy the Cardinals or the Jets.

Ben Solak with more:

“Why this deal makes sense for both sides: Would Reddick return to Arizona, the team that drafted him and nearly torpedoed his career? The Cardinals' general manager and coach are relatively new to town, but they also know Reddick. The edge rusher had his best season in 2022 when Arizona coach Jonathan Gannon was the Eagles' defensive coordinator. Plus, the Cardinals are starving for pass rush help after BJ Ojulari's injury. Also important? They have a ton of money to pay Reddick with,” he wrote.

“It's difficult to get Reddick out of New York, though. Douglas is fighting for his job, and it's hard to see a winning season for New York if it's stocking up on picks instead of players. So the Cardinals would have to send Baker, who is in the final year of his contract and has requested a transfer in the 2023 offseason, before he gets a raise. I know the Jets love Tony Adams internally, but Baker would be a significant addition and would provide the immediate value that Douglas and Saleh need.”

Last week, Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort said there was no set deadline for contract extensions with guys like Baker or running back James Conner.

“We were able to come to an agreement and are happy that Zaven and Fro have extended their contracts,” Ossenfort told Arizona Sports. Wolf & Luke on Friday. “There have been discussions with many players. For some of them, it always takes two to close a deal. These are individual and we will see how they go over the course of the year.

“I don't know if there is a set rule as to when the talks are over before and after the start of the season. I think it is always decided on a case by case basis. I think it's great that Budda and James contribute to our team as captains, both on and off the field, what they do for us, both are top performers.”

Reddick, who was drafted by the Cardinals in 2017, was Baker's teammate before Baker left Arizona.

The Cardinals' pass rush could certainly use a boost in production, and even though Reddick turns 30 later this month, fans in Arizona are demanding a huge step from Ossenfort.

Would that come at Baker's expense? Probably not, but if you look at the deal on paper, it could make sense for both sides.