The Cleveland Browns have faced injuries on numerous fronts. With Nick Chubb out indefinitely and numerous other players on injured reserve, the Browns may attempt to make a trade or two to help deal with the injuries.
The other players on injured reserve include safety Juan Thornhill, a two-time Super Bowl champion. Thornhill participated in Week 1, but injured his calf during the game, forcing him to be placed on the injured reserve list.
Thornhill will be missed, and others must stand up in his absence. If not, the Browns might need to make a deal.
With his injury in mind, Kristopher Knox of Bleacher Report identified them as a trade contender for six-time Pro Bowler Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals.
“The more the Arizona Cardinals play like a potential competitor, the less likely they’ll be to entertain trade offers for safety Budda Baker,” Knox wrote on Wednesday, September 18. “Sunday’s 41-10 thrashing of the Rams could be enough to convince the Cardinals to be buyers rather than sellers ahead of the deadline—depending on how the next several weeks go, of course. Still, Baker remains Arizona’s most realistic trade chip. He’s a six-time Pro Bowler who is still a top playmaker at 28 years old. He is also expected to become a free agent in 2025.
“If the Cardinals drop any further before November 5, they should expect trade calls. Moving him might result in a significant draft haul, even if the team is not eager to do so. The Browns, who have not been shy about trading for talent, may potentially explore Baker as a compliment to safety Grant Delpit. Cleveland recently placed safety Juan Thornhill on injured reserve due to a calf ailment.
Thornhill has dealt with injuries during his career.
Thornhill missed the Cleveland Browns’ season opener in 2023 with a calf issue. Thornhill suffered another injury in November and appeared in only 11 games during the season.
He was eager to get started this year, citing his improved physical health.
“It’s a terrific start to be able to go out and play in the game. So I’d say it feels wonderful,” he told Scott Petrak of The Chronicle-Telegram in September. “Last year, I was hurt every week. This year, as of now, I’m feeling much better both mentally and physically. I’m excited to show the world what I’m really capable of and what kind of player I am.
With two consecutive seasons of injury after playing in at least 16 games in each of his first four years, the Browns should be concerned. If these injuries persist, they’ll need to find someone like Baker to maybe replace him.
How Baker Would Help the Browns:
Baker has been as good as it gets at the safety position over his eight-year career. In addition to his six Pro Bowl choices, Baker has been chosen to the All-Pro first team twice and the All-Pro second team once.
He’s played well for the Arizona Cardinals early in the season, demonstrating how he could aid the Cleveland Browns in their Week 2 victory.
Baker, 28, would add another proven veteran to the Browns’ defence, which has been one of the finest in the NFL in recent years.
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