Cardinals Taking Part In Trade Talks; S Budda Baker Unlikely To Be Dealt
With a 4-4 record, the Cardinals sit atop the wide-open NFC West. That puts the team in an interesting position as the Jonathan Gannon/Monti Ossenfort regime approaches its second trade deadline at the helm. It remains to be seen what – if anything – will be done regarding midseason moves in the immediate future. 
“We’ve been involved in a number of talks with teams, and we’ll continue to be here as the days come by,” Ossenfort said during a Friday appearance on Arizona Sports (via Bob McManaman of the Arizona Republic). “We’re working through that process… We’ll deal with the trade deadline on Monday and Tuesday and see if anything works for us.”
Arizona went 4-13 last year, but with quarterback Kyler Murray available for a full campaign in 2024 expectations called for a step forward. The team is well on its way in that regard, and making an addition could boost the chances of a division title (or at least an NFC wild-card berth). The defensive line, both along the interior and on the edge, could be a target given the Cardinals’ injuries at those spots.
Edge rusher BJ Ojulari suffered a torn ACL before the start of the campaign, and Dennis Gardeck recently met the same fate. Meanwhile, first-round rookie Darius Robinson is off injured reserve but it remains to be seen when he will be able to make his regular season debut. Justin Jones and Bilal Nichols are unavailable, so bringing in depth along the interior would be sensible from Arizona’s perspective. While he did not indicate if anything is imminent, Ossenfort confirmed the D-line and edge are areas being looked at leading up to the deadline.
The most commonly predicted move on the Cardinals’ part in recent weeks is one which would see safety Budda Baker traded away. The six-time Pro Bowler is a pending free agent, and the 2023 offseason saw his trade request ultimately result in a short-term solution being worked out. Baker, 28, hopes to land another Cardinals contract this offseason, although Ossenfort and Co. were not in place when he was drafted or initially extended. That has led to questions about a potential trade, but one appears unlikely.
“Budda’s a big part of what we’re doing,” Ossenfort added. “I think there’s a lot of information – a lot of misinformation – that’s out there this time of year, whether it’s pertaining to our players or somebody else’s players… People can throw anything out there, and it may not have any real truth to it at all… We couldn’t be more excited to have Budda with us.”
That endorsement certainly suggests Baker will remain in place past the November 5 deadline. The two-time All-Pro has only made one postseason appearance in his career, which dates back to 2017 and has consisted exclusively of time with Arizona. Provided he stays for the second half of the season, he will maintain a key leadership role amongst an otherwise young secondary in addition to his on-field responsibilities. If the Cardinals choose to make a rental addition, finances will not be an issue since the team has more than $19MM in cap space.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/30/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: LB Milo Eifler, DL Anthony Goodlow
Atlanta Falcons
- Signed: LB Tyreek Maddox-Williams
- Released: OL Matthew Cindric
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: WR Dax Milne
Jacksonville Jaguars
- Signed: RB Jake Funk
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: CB Kendall Williamson
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: DE Shakel Brown
New Orleans Saints
- Signed: RB Jacob Kibodi
New York Giants
- Signed: OT Garret Greenfield
New York Jets
- Released: S Jaylen Key
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: OL Braeden Daniels
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Signed: RB Aaron Shampklin
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: LB Michael Dowell
- Released: LB Jamie Sheriff.
Cardinals Open Practice Window For Jonah Williams
The Cardinals are opening the practice window for offensive tackle Jonah Williams, head coach Jonathan Gannon announced on Wednesday, bringing the veteran lineman one step closer to rejoining Arizona’s offense after suffering a knee injury in Week 1.
Williams signed with the Cardinals on a two-year, $30MM deal in the offseason to start at right tackle opposite 2023 sixth overall pick Paris Johnson on the left side. He played just 22 snaps in Arizona before injuring his knee and landing on injured reserve on September 11.
Veteran Kelvin Beachum took over for Williams in Week 1 and has started at right tackle since outside of a Week 3 absence that required Jackson Barton and Charlie Heck to play crucial snaps. Beachum took some time to settle in, allowing nine pressures across Weeks 1-5, but has not allowed one since with clean pass protection performances in Weeks 6-8, according to Pro Football Focus (subscription required).
Williams will have 21 days to practice with the team and get up to full strength before he must be activated or revert to season-ending injured reserve. Arizona has declined to disclose the specific nature of Williams’ injury, so they may continue that cautious approach and hold the 26-year-old out until later in November.
The Cardinals’ 53-man roster is full as of Wednesday, so they will need to clear a roster spot in the coming weeks to make room for Williams. Rookie Christian Jones was activated from injured reserve last week, so Arizona could move one from one of their other offensive linemen with multiple tackles back in the fold.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/29/24
Here are the most recent practice squad transactions from around the NFL:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed to practice squad: DL Anthony Goodlow
Carolina Panthers
- Released from practice squad: LB Shaquille Quarterman
Chicago Bears
- Signed to practice squad: OL Austen Pleasants
- Released from practice squad: LS Jake McQuaide
Indianapolis Colts
- Restored to practice squad from injured reserve: QB Jason Bean
- Signed to practice squad: CB Tre Flowers, RB Evan Hull
- Released from practice squad: DT Josiah Bronson, WR Ethan Fernea, CB Kelvin Joseph
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed to practice squad: LB Caleb Murphy
Miami Dolphins
- Released from practice squad: OT Anderson Hardy
Minnesota Vikings
- Signed to practice squad: RB Myles Gaskin, OT Julian Pearl
- Release from practice squad: LB Dallas Gant, OT Marcellus Johnson
New England Patriots
- Signed to practice squad: WR Braylon Sanders
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to practice squad: DB Tre Herndon, RB Jordan Mims
- Released from practice squad: C Sincere Haynesworth
New York Giants
- Released from practice squad: S Gervarrius Owens
Philadelphia Eagles
- Released from practice squad: DT Siaki Ika
Pittsburgh Steelers
- Released from practice squad: RB La’Mical Perine, CB Thomas Graham
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Released from practice squad: LB Kalen DeLoach
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to practice squad: DL Abdullah Anderson, DB Justin Hardee, OG Arlington Hambright
- Released from practice squad: OG Cole Spencer
Washington Commanders
- Signed to practice squad: OT Bobby Hart
- Released from practice squad: OT Anim Dankwah
The Vikings cut Gaskin from their active roster on Tuesday, but as a vested veteran, he did not need to pass through waivers before re-signing to Minnesota’s practice squad. Gaskin played in the Vikings’ first five games this season, but has not appeared since October 6. His familiarity with the offense could lead to activations from the practice squad if Minnesota needs running back depth.
Herndon will join the Saints after playing in Jacksonville for six seasons, with 83 total appearances and 34 starts for the Jaguars since 2018. The veteran cornerback only started five games over the last two years, but played in 15 games for almost 900 snaps as a rotational member of the Jaguars’ secondary. His experience could lead to quick elevations from the practice squad once he learns the Saints’ defense.
The Commander signed the 30-year-old Hart to give them more depth at offensive tackle. The veteran has 67 starts and 98 total appearances over his eight-year career, though he hasn’t played in the NFL since a 2022 stint with the Bills.
Cardinals Activate Darius Robinson From IR
Darius Robinson could end up making his NFL debut this Sunday. With the first-round rookie’s activation window coming to an end later this week, the Cardinals have added Robinson to the active roster. Howard Balzer reports that the team has activated the defensive lineman from injured reserve.
Per Darren Urban of the team’s website, Robinson’s 21-day activation window was set to end this Wednesday. This meant the Cardinals either had to activate the defensive lineman or lose him for the rest of the season.
Robinson suffered a calf injury in August that ultimately landed him on IR. He returned to practice earlier this month but suffered a brief setback with his calf that kept him out of practice. That unexpected absence likely played a role in Robinson’s almost-21-day stay in the activation window.
The Missouri star transitioned from the interior to the edge in 2023, leading to a career-high 8.5 sacks and 14 tackles for loss. That performance helped put him on the first-round radar, and the Cardinals ended up selecting the DL with the No. 27 pick in this year’s draft.
With BJ Ojulari being lost for the season with a torn ACL, the Cardinals were going to be especially dependent on their rookie in 2024. The Cardinals rank towards the bottom of the league in sacks (15), so Robinson could certainly add a spark to a pass-rush unit currently led by Dennis Gardeck and Zaven Collins.
2024 NFL Cap Space, By Team
With the trade deadline nearing, more player movement can be expected during the coming days. Of course, a key factor in any deals will be the financial situation for contenders aiming to bolster their rosters for the second half of the campaign.
Courtesy of Over the Cap, here is an updated look at each teams’ cap space:
- San Francisco 49ers: $54.13MM
- Cleveland Browns: $45.16MM
- New England Patriots: $36.61MM
- Las Vegas Raiders: $34.59MM
- Detroit Lions: $27.53MM
- Washington Commanders: $23.44MM
- Dallas Cowboys: $20.75MM
- Arizona Cardinals: $19.44MM
- Tennessee Titans: $18.26MM
- Jacksonville Jaguars: $17.12MM
- Green Bay Packers: $13.96MM
- Indianapolis Colts: $11.11MM
- Philadelphia Eagles: $10.36MM
- Minnesota Vikings: $9.48MM
- Cincinnati Bengals: $8.98MM
- Pittsburgh Steelers: $8.93MM
- Seattle Seahawks: $8.19MM
- Atlanta Falcons: $8.16MM
- Tampa Bay Buccaneers: $7.83MM
- Los Angeles Chargers: $7.72MM
- Chicago Bears: $6.14MM
- Houston Texans: $6.01MM
- New York Jets: $5.1MM
- Miami Dolphins: $5.02MM
- Baltimore Ravens: $4.36MM
- Buffalo Bills: $2.37MM
- Kansas City Chiefs: $2.35MM
- New Orleans Saints: $2.15MM
- Los Angeles Rams: $1.91MM
- Denver Broncos: $1.77MM
- New York Giants: $1.51MM
- Carolina Panthers: $1.12MM
Just like last year, the 49ers find themselves with considerable cap space to work with. The team has several reasons to roll over as many funds as possible into the offseason, however, with Brock Purdy eligible for an extension and the likes of Charvarius Ward, Deommodore Lenoir and Talanoa Hufanga on track for free agency. Major investments including a commitment beyond 2024 would thus come as a surprise. 
San Francisco is among the teams to watch regarding an addition, and major injuries on both sides of the ball could lead to a stop-gap solution being targeted. The 49ers may also be open to moving away players before the deadline, though, with Ward being named as potential candidate to be dealt. Sitting at 3-4, the team’s bid to return to the Super Bowl has not gone as planned to date, but a notable midseason addition could certainly change things.
Having lost Aidan Hutchinson until at least the Super Bowl, the Lions have an obvious need along the edge. Replacing his production with any one addition will not be feasible, but bringing in at least a rotational option would not come as a surprise. Indeed, Detroit has been involved in the edge market with respect to showing interest in some of the veterans who could be on the move.
That list no longer includes Haason Reddick, but the Lions have also been connected to Za’Darius Smith. The Browns have already moved Amari Cooper, so it would come as little surprise if the team were to deal away the three-time Pro Bowler in a move which would allow him to return to the NFC North. Smith certainly seems to be open to a trade, and Detroit would easily be able to absorb the remainder of his $1.2MM 2024 salary.
While Smith could be on the move, fellow Cleveland edge rusher Myles Garrett is (understandably) seen as untouchable. That is also the case for Raiders start Maxx Crosby, with owner Mark Davis making it clear a trade will not be considered before or after the deadline. Even though the Titans have been active already on the trade front, they too will not entertain a deal involving two-time Pro Bowl defensive lineman Jeffery Simmons. While talks have taken place related to Cooper Kupp, the Rams do not expect to move on from the former Super Bowl MVP.
The receiver position remains one to watch even with Davante Adams (Jets), Cooper (Bills) and DeAndre Hopkins (Chiefs) already joining new teams. As the Panthers consider selling off pending free agents, Diontae Johnson could be available for a mid-round pick. In the case of the Jaguars, Christian Kirk is still a candidate to be dealt (although he is not a pending free agent). Teams like the Steelers and Chargers have yet to add a pass-catcher, but they have shown interest and could pull off a move in the coming days.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/26/24
Saturdays minor moves, including standard gameday practice squad elevations:
Arizona Cardinals
- Elevated: DL Ben Stille, CB Divaad Wilson
Atlanta Falcons
- Elevated: CB Natrone Brooks, DE Demone Harris
Baltimore Ravens
- Activated from IR: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
- Elevated: CB Bump Cooper Jr.
- Placed on IR: CB T.J. Tampa
Buffalo Bills
- Elevated: DT Eli Ankou, WR Jalen Virgil
Chicago Bears
- Activated from IR: RB Travis Homer, DE Jacob Martin
- Elevated: S Tarvarius Moore
Dallas Cowboys
- Signed to active roster: CB Amani Oruwariye
- Elevated: RB Dalvin Cook (story)
- Placed on IR: TE John Stephens (story)
Denver Broncos
- Elevated: LB Kwon Alexander, G Calvin Throckmorton
Detroit Lions
- Elevated: OLB Al-Quadin Muhammad, TE Shane Zylstra
Green Bay Packers
- Elevated: CB Robert Rochell
Houston Texans
- Elevated: FB Troy Hairston
Kansas City Chiefs
- Elevated: WR Montrell Washington
Las Vegas Raiders
- Elevated: QB Carter Bradley, TE Justin Shorter
Los Angeles Chargers
- Elevated: WR Jaylen Johnson, WR Jalen Reagor
New England Patriots
- Elevated: LB Ochaun Mathis
New Orleans Saints
- Signed to active roster: S Ugo Amadi
- Elevated: WR Equanimeous St. Brown, S Roderic Teamer
- Waived: RB Jordan Mims
New York Jets
- Elevated: OL Alec Lindstrom, S Jarius Monroe
Philadelphia Eagles
- Activated from IR: WR Ainias Smith
San Francisco 49ers
- Elevated: S Adrian Amos, K Anders Carlson
Seattle Seahawks
- Activated from IR: S Jerrick Reed II
- Elevated: CB Faion Hicks, CB Josh Jobe
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Activated from IR: WR Rakim Jarrett
- Elevated: QB Michael Pratt
Tennessee Titans
- Signed to active roster: CB Gabe Jeudy-Lally, WR Mason Kinsey, T John Ojukwu
- Elevated: RB Joshua Kelley, QB Trevor Siemian
- Placed on IR: T Jaelyn Duncan
- Waived: OLB Caleb Murphy
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/25/24
Friday’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Placed on IR: LB Dennis Gardeck (story)
Buffalo Bills
- Placed on IR: DT DeWayne Carter
Miami Dolphins
- Signed to active roster: WR Dee Eskridge
Philadelphia Eagles
- Placed on IR: DT Byron Young
Carter is dealing with a wrist injury which will require surgery. Head coach Sean McDermott indicated (via Katherine Fitzgerald of the Buffalo News) the team was initially unsure of if a stint on injured reserve would be needed. Now that the third-round rookie has been moved to IR, he will miss at least the next four games. Carter has appeared in all seven of Buffalo’s contests this year, logging a 39% snap share.
NFL Practice Squad Updates: 10/23/24
Today’s practice squad moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Signed: QB Anthony Brown
Carolina Panthers
- Signed: DT T.J. Smith, LB Chandler Wooten
Indianapolis Colts
- Signed: WR Ethan Fernea
- Released: K Spencer Shrader
Los Angeles Chargers
- Signed: DB Shaun Wade
Miami Dolphins
- Signed: QB C.J. Beathard, WR Tarik Black
- Released: TE Hayden Rucci
New England Patriots
- Signed: LB Keshawn Banks
Philadelphia Eagles
- Signed: WR Parris Campbell, DT Siaki Ika
San Francisco 49ers
- Signed: OL Dieter Eiselen, WR Malik Turner
Seattle Seahawks
- Signed: CB Damarion Williams
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Signed: P Jack Browning, WR Dennis Houston
While the Dolphins should soon have Tua Tagovailoa back on the field, the team has still added another QB to the mix. The team added veteran C.J. Beathard to the taxi squad today. The quarterback has bounced around the NFL since 2017, including a few stops in San Francisco when current Dolphins HC Mike McDaniel served as the 49ers run game coordinator. The 30-year-old got a start for the Jaguars last season, completing 17 of his 24 pass attempts for 178 yards. The newest addition will join a QB room that also includes Tyler Huntley, Skylar Thompson, and Tim Boyle.
Minor NFL Transactions: 10/23/24
Today’s minor moves:
Arizona Cardinals
- Activated from IR: OT Christian Jones
Baltimore Ravens
- Designated for return: CB Jalyn Armour-Davis
Chicago Bears
- Designated for return: OL Larry Borom, RB Travis Homer
Dallas Cowboys
- Designated for return: DL Jordan Phillips
Green Bay Packers
- Signed: LS Matt Orzech
- Waived: DL Jonathan Ford
New York Jets
- Signed to active roster: S Jalen Mills
- Placed on IR: OL Xavier Newman-Johnson
- Designated for return: TE Kenny Yeboah
San Francisco 49ers
- Promoted: DL Evan Anderson
Tampa Bay Buccaneers
- Promoted: P Trenton Gill, WR Ryan Miller
Washington Commanders
- Activated from IR: LB Jordan Magee
The Bears should soon be getting some offensive reinforcement. Most notably, lineman Larry Borom returned to practice today after missing the first chunk of the season with an ankle injury. The former fifth-round pick has been a reliable swing OT for the Bears over the past three years, starting 23 of his 39 appearances. The team will also welcome back Travis Homer, who has been sidelined since Week 3 with a finger injury. The veteran RB may have a tough time cracking the rotation upon his return with D’Andre Swift, Roschon Johnson, and Khalil Herbert currently leading the depth chart. The Bears will have 21 days to activate either of the two players to the 53-man roster.
Jordan Phillips was back at Cowboys practice today after landing on IR in mid-September. The defensive lineman’s injury wasn’t ever made particularly clear; the Cowboys claimed the player was favoring his previously repaired wrist, although the player later hinted that he was forced to the sideline because of conditioning. After more than a month on the shelf, the veteran will now get another look. The Cowboys acquired Phillips from the Giants back in August, and the veteran only got into about one fourth of his team’s defensive snaps before landing on IR. Phillips appeared in 26 games for the Bills between 2022 and 2023, collecting 35 tackles and four sacks.