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Budda Baker Wears Terrifying Mask To Address Trade Rumors
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- Budda Baker Wears Terrifying Mask To Address Trade Rumors
Joe Camporeale-Imagn Images
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker showed up to Friday's media session wearing a creepy black-and-white clown mask. He did this while reporters asked him hard questions about a possible trade. The team is sitting at 2-5 and in full rebuild mode, yet the eight-time Pro Bowler chose to hide behind a scary face. It was a strange move for a player who has spent a decade with the franchise. Baker made it clear he is not going anywhere, even as the deadline looms.
The Cardinals are looking at a tough stretch ahead. They face the Dallas Cowboys on Sunday, the day after Halloween. This matchup is a big hurdle for the offense. Baker represents one of the biggest problems for Dak Prescott and his team. He wants to make it five straight wins for Arizona against Dallas. The safety is set to play in the lineup, but he probably will not wear the mask on Sunday. The fun stops when the game starts.
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A Masked Message to the Front Office
Trade rumors have swirled around Baker for years. The New York Post noted that he has been attached to these stories for "like five, six years now." Despite the noise, he told ESPN that he has not asked for a trade. He also has not asked to stay. He simply stated, "I'm here. I want to win. I want to be here." This direct message cuts through the speculation. The general manager Monti Ossenfort has not had conversations with Baker about a move. The silence from the top suggests the team values his presence.
Baker's stats show why he is so hard to replace. In this season, he has one interception, a career-high 3.5 sacks, and 44 combined tackles. These numbers prove he is still a top-tier player. The Dallas News reported that his name is one of the big ones among potential defensive targets. But the player himself seems focused on the present. "I just live in the present, like today having a great time with you guys," Baker said. His words came out slightly muffled underneath the mask. A clown mask was shown during a serious trade talk.
Focusing on the Cowboys Game
The team has already made big moves this month. They traded wide receiver Marvin Harrison Jr. to the Texans earlier this month. Now the focus shifts to the safety position. Baker said he is "just controlling what I can control, just taking it one week at a t." He plans to "go out and have a great Friday practice, and just focus on playing against the Dallas Cowboys and trying to get a 'W' at their stadium."
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Baker also took time to answer lighter questions. He discussed his favorite Halloween candy, which is anything fruity. He has strong negative thoughts on candy corn. For the kids who come to his door, he gives out full-sized bars. The New York Post highlighted how he handled the media with humor. The mask was a way to deal with the pressure without losing his cool.
The Deadline Looms
The trade deadline is set for November 10. This date is only a week away from the game against Dallas. If Baker stays, he will help the defense against a strong opponent. If he leaves, the Cardinals lose a key leader. The situation remains fluid. ESPN's Jeremy Fowler reported that Baker would garner strong interest from other teams. There is no guarantee, however, that he will be traded. The Cardinals have to decide if they want to rebuild now or keep a veteran leader. The answer might come in the next few days.
For now, the team waits. The players practice. The fans watch. The mask came off, but the questions remain. Baker wants to win. He wants to be there. The rest of the league will see if the Cardinals agree.
