​GLENDALE, ARIZONA – SEPTEMBER 20: Budda Baker #3 of the Arizona Cardinals reacts during the second quarter of the game against the Seattle Seahawks at State Farm Stadium on September 20, 2026 in Glendale, Arizona. (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images) | Getty Images Before the Buffalo Bills finalized a trade with the Tennessee Titans for safety Amani Hooker, One Bills Drive reportedly “made a very strong push” for Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker. The trade-deadline report by Jordan Schultz stated that “Arizona gave of the impression they don’t want to trade a franchise icon – despite a lost season – and Buffalo eventually got a deal done in Tennessee.”After releasing safety C.J. Gardner Johnson, the Bills had been very active in “scanning the safety pool” to upgrade their situation at the position. Baker’s talent is undeniable, but it’s also true that he would have been “a little more redundant in how (Bills) want to use Cole Bishop,” per a report by Sal Capaccio. With Hooker, Buffalo has added a player who Capaccio points out should allow “Bishop to still play closer to the line of scrimmage knowing there is coverage over the top.” At the same time, Hooker is also versatile enough to play nickel cornerback when and where needed.How interested in Budda Baker was president of football operations/general manager Brandon Beane? Per a tweet around the rumor, “Johnny Venerable” claimed able to confirm that the “Bills offered ‘a quality’ Day 2 pick for Budda Baker.” Instead, Beane and the front office took their quality Day 2 pick to Tennessee to land a talented young safety in Amani Hooker.