Detroit Lions Predicted to Trade for Pro Bowl Defender During Bye Week

The Detroit Lions have been mentioned in plenty of trade speculation over the past couple of seasons, but one prediction for the 2026 campaign stands out from the rest.

In his recent article, “61 NFL Predictions Ahead of the 2026 Season,” SB Nation’s Jarrett Bailey predicts the Lions will swing a blockbuster trade for Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker during their Week 6 bye, immediately following Detroit’s matchup against Arizona.

According to Bailey, the move would come after the Lions defeat the Cardinals, with Detroit taking advantage of the bye week to bolster a secondary that he believes could use additional help.

Would the Move Make Sense?

On paper, it’s an intriguing idea.

Baker has long been regarded as one of the NFL’s premier safeties thanks to his leadership, physicality, and ability to impact both the run and pass game. Adding a player of his caliber would undoubtedly strengthen almost any defense.

That said, the prediction raises some interesting questions.

The Lions already have significant resources invested at safety with Kerby Joseph and Brian Branch, though both are entering the season after dealing with injuries. Branch is expected to miss at least the early portion of the season while recovering from a torn Achilles, and Joseph is looking to bounce back after missing much of last year with a knee injury.

If either player suffered a setback, or if Detroit believed it needed another proven playmaker for a Super Bowl push, a move for Baker would become much more understandable.

Don’t Expect It… But Don’t Rule It Out

At this point, Bailey’s prediction is purely speculative, and there has been no indication that the Lions are pursuing Baker.

Still, Brad Holmes has shown he’s willing to make aggressive moves when he believes they can improve Detroit’s championship chances.

If the Lions enter their bye week in contention for the NFC’s top seed and believe one more defensive addition could put them over the top, don’t be surprised if Holmes at least explores the trade market.

Whether that player is Budda Baker remains to be seen, but it’s certainly one of the more fascinating predictions heading into the 2026 NFL season.