The Jacksonville Jaguars have had a terrific start to the season, jumping out to a 5-2 record and a three-game lead in the AFC South. 

It’s a good thing, too, because the injuries are starting to pile up, especially on defense. 

Luckily for the Jaguars, the trade deadline has a buffet of defensive players who can come to Duval and make an impact. 

Jacksonville has to find a suitable replacement for run-stuffing defensive tackle DaVon Hamilton, who is out for the season with a torn quad. Thankfully, there are several DTs on the trade market who can help fill the huge hole Hamilton’s injury has created in the middle of the defensive line. 

However, no position has been hit harder by injury for the Jaguars than safety. 

A few weeks ago, Jacksonville’s third safety, Caleb Ransaw, was placed on injured reserve. Star safety Antonio Johnson was forced to miss the Jaguars’ 42-7 demolition of the Indianapolis Colts this past Sunday with an ankle injury he suffered in Week 6. 

Against the Colts, Jacksonville’s other starting safety, Eric Murray, injured his elbow early on and was unable to return. 

Now Murray is also out for the season, leaving the back end of Jacksonville’s defense very short-handed. 

Kaevon Merriweatber, who was just signed a few weeks ago, Rayuan Lane III, and rookie Jalen Huskey are left as the team’s top-3 healthy safeties. 

The Jaguars should be scouring the trade market for reinforcements at safety, which is a critical position in Anthony Campanile’s defense. 

Here are the three top safeties Jacksonville should target before the trade deadline. 

1. Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals: It's good to think big. Trading for Baker may require some salary-cap gymnastics to fit his remaining 2026 salary, but there is arguably no other safety who could come to Jacksonville and make as big an impact.

Baker is 30 years old, but still playing at an extremely high level for the Cardinals. He would likely be one of the biggest fish to change teams if traded. Baker can make plays everywhere. He can cover, blitz, and is an extremely capable defender against the run.

In eight games this season, Baker has 51 tackles, one INT, and a terrific 3.5 sacks. That kind of versatility would give Jacksonville's defense a tremendous boost as the team tries to reach its first Super Bowl.

Baker has no guaranteed money left on his contract after this season, so he will likely be looking for an extension. A long-term pairing of Baker and Antonio Johnson would be mouth-watering for Jaguars fans.

2. Amani Hooker, Tennessee Titans: Would the 1-7 Titans trade the current NFL leader in interceptions (5) in the division? General manager James Gladstone should be on the phone to find out what it would take to bring the 28-year-old playmaker to Jacksonville.

Hooker can play zone, cover tight ends and slot receivers, and play multiple safety spots. He is a strong tackler who would be an asset against the run, and his instincts in zone coverage would come in handy in Anthony Campanile's defense.

3. Justin Reid, New Orleans Saints: If the Jaguars are looking for a cheaper reclamation project, Reid would be a very tantalizing option. His play has fallen off since last season, but a change of scenery could do wonders for the 29-year-old. 

Reid has 124 starts over nine seasons and 11 career interceptions. If he comes to Jacksonville and returns to his previous form, Reid could be a big help to the defense over the second half of the season.

Note: I would have had Los Angeles Chargers star Derwin James ranked first on this list if not for his current injury. James was placed on IR last week and is not eligible to return until Week 12.