Commanders to sign $103.6 million All-Pro from NFC West in shocking deal.
The Washington Commanders’ journey toward victory in 2024 began well before their season opener; their offseason strategy, featuring savvy free-agent signings and a strong draft class, laid the foundation for this year’s achievements.
To continue building a competitive franchise, General Manager Adam Peters and Head Coach Dan Quinn will need to replicate their successful offseason approach in 2025—this time with even more influence and resources at their disposal.
According to Bleacher Report’s Matt Holder, the Commanders are expected to pursue three-time NFL All-Pro safety Budda Baker in the 2025 free agency period. With a projected $103.6 million in cap space, per Spotrac, Washington is positioned to make several impactful moves.
(Safety) Quan Martin has had difficulty in coverage this season,” Holder noted, adding, Jeremy Chinn is also on a one-year contract, so Washington should seriously consider the available safeties in this year’s free agency.
Cardinals Ready to Part Ways With Baker
Budda Baker has established himself as one of the NFL’s premier safeties since being drafted 36th overall by the Arizona Cardinals out of the University of Washington in 2017. A six-time Pro Bowler, Baker has consistently excelled on the field.
However, he has been the subject of trade rumors for the past two years. After the Cardinals declined his request for a raise to rank among the league’s highest-paid safeties, Baker responded by requesting a trade.
In Week 5, Baker made his 100th career start for Arizona in a victory over the San Francisco 49ers on October 6. When asked about ongoing trade speculation, he remained calm, telling Bob McManaman of The Arizona Republic, “I don’t really see any of that (trade) type of stuff. I’m just focused on San Fran and the game ahead. If that happens, (GM) Monti (Ossenfort) will hopefully let me know, but I don’t think it’s going to happen.
Commanders Made Bold Trade Move in Secondary
The Commanders have demonstrated their commitment to strengthening their defense, particularly their secondary, by trading for New Orleans Saints All-Pro cornerback Marshon Lattimore on November 5.
Although addressing the safety position was an option, the Commanders prioritized cornerback, especially as they enter Week 11 with a 7-3 record and prepare for a pivotal Thursday Night Football matchup against their NFC East rivals, the Philadelphia Eagles.
Lattimore missed the Week 10 game against the Pittsburgh Steelers due to a hamstring injury he was still rehabilitating after his final game with the Saints in Week 9.
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