The NFL offseason continues to stir up speculation, rumors, and hot takes as teams look to bolster their rosters ahead of the 2025 season. Among the latest waves being made in league circles is a growing chorus of voices urging a former Arizona Cardinals captain to reignite his career with a new opportunity — and the Tennessee Titans appear to be the perfect landing spot.
That former captain is none other than Budda Baker, the two-time All-Pro safety and emotional leader who spent the last several seasons as the heartbeat of the Cardinals’ defense. Though he remains unsigned as of late June, Baker’s name is heating up in free agency discussions, and ESPN analysts have pointed squarely at the Tennessee Titans as the franchise most in need of his leadership, versatility, and fire.
Baker’s journey with the Cardinals was nothing short of impressive. Drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Washington Huskies standout quickly emerged as one of the most feared safeties in the league. He earned six Pro Bowl selections, became a vocal locker room leader, and consistently played through pain and adversity — all while being a defensive anchor in a team that rarely found consistent success.
But after several coaching changes, a revolving door of quarterbacks, and the organization entering a clear rebuild mode, the 28-year-old veteran and the Cardinals began to drift apart. Though there were no public feuds or fireworks, many insiders sensed the writing on the wall: Baker wanted to win, and the Cardinals weren’t ready to deliver that window anytime soon. When his contract ended, Baker quietly entered free agency, seeking a team that matched his hunger for competitiveness.
Enter the Tennessee Titans — a franchise in transition but still fighting to reassert itself as a contender in the AFC. After a disappointing 2024 campaign, new head coach Brian Callahan has been clear about wanting to change the identity of the Titans, both defensively and culturally. And if there’s one player who embodies toughness, accountability, and tenacity, it’s Budda Baker.
ESPN analyst Marcus Spears didn’t mince words when asked about Baker’s next move: “If I’m Tennessee, I’m on the phone with him yesterday. This guy changes defenses. He’s not just a playmaker — he’s a culture guy. You need guys like that when you’re trying to reset a team’s identity. He’s perfect for what the Titans are building.”
What makes Baker such a tantalizing addition to the Titans isn’t just his résumé — though that alone is impressive. It’s also his ability to wear multiple hats on the field. He’s a rangy safety who can cover tight ends and receivers in the slot, a fierce run-stopper who thrives near the line of scrimmage, and a locker room glue guy whose voice holds weight among veterans and rookies alike.
Tennessee’s secondary struggled in 2024, giving up explosive plays and failing to create turnovers in key moments. Adding Baker would instantly shore up their back end and provide much-needed leadership for young talents like Roger McCreary and Elijah Molden. Pairing Baker with All-Pro cornerback L’Jarius Sneed, who signed earlier this offseason, would create one of the most dynamic and balanced secondaries in the AFC.
But beyond the Xs and Os, Baker’s signing would send a message — one that Titans fans desperately want to hear: that the team is serious about winning now.
The Titans haven’t been to the playoffs since 2021 and have endured multiple seasons of mediocrity since. While they’ve shown flashes of promise, inconsistency at quarterback, injuries, and an aging defense have kept them from breaking through. Bringing in a proven winner like Baker, who gives everything he has on every snap, would help galvanize the team and energize a fan base hungry for results.
Baker’s former teammates have also spoken out, advocating for him to land in the right situation — and Tennessee is rapidly emerging as that ideal destination. Cardinals linebacker Zaven Collins told reporters, “Budda’s the kind of guy who makes everyone around him better. He deserves to be on a team that competes. If the Titans get him, they’re getting a warrior.”
The Titans also happen to be coached by Brian Callahan, the son of long-time NFL coach Bill Callahan. The younger Callahan, known for his offensive mind and attention to detail, has made clear that he wants the team to play smarter, faster, and with greater urgency. Baker checks every one of those boxes.
Additionally, Tennessee’s salary cap situation would allow them to structure a competitive deal without breaking the bank. With several veterans already restructuring their contracts and the team clearing space after letting go of older, injury-prone players, Baker’s arrival wouldn’t require any major sacrifices.
Another key factor? Baker’s familiarity with Titans GM Ran Carthon, who has deep ties across the league and has previously shown interest in high-character players with elite work ethic — traits Baker embodies. The Titans’ front office has been quietly building a roster that combines grit, explosiveness, and discipline — and adding Baker would be yet another major step in the right direction.
From Baker’s perspective, the Titans make sense for more than just football reasons. Nashville offers a strong fan base, a supportive market, and a coaching staff that would value his voice. It’s the kind of place where a veteran can re-establish himself as a star and mentor the next generation without being overshadowed.
As free agency drags into the summer, teams looking for veteran defensive help are running out of options. But Budda Baker remains a name that jumps off the page — and Tennessee might just be the place where his second act begins.
There’s also a poetic element to the move. In 2020, Baker’s incredible effort on a near pick-six that ended with DK Metcalf chasing him down became one of the most iconic plays of that season. While the play itself went viral, it also encapsulated everything Baker represents: relentlessness, speed, hustle, and heart. Now imagine that same energy injected into a Titans defense trying to climb back to relevance.
As ESPN’s Field Yates put it, “Budda Baker may be one of the most underappreciated stars of the last decade. Signing him now isn’t just about production — it’s about changing the tone in your building.”
With training camp rapidly approaching and several teams still fine-tuning their rosters, Baker’s free agency may not last much longer. And if the Titans want to make a statement to their players, their fans, and the rest of the NFL, picking up the phone and bringing Budda Baker to Nashville might be the move that defines their 2025 season.
For now, all eyes remain on Baker and his next move. But one thing is clear — he’s still got plenty of gas left in the tank. And if Tennessee pulls the trigger, the rest of the AFC better take notice.
