According to an unnamed source, five-time Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals has requested a trade. Baker informed the team in February that he either wants to be traded or given a new contract that would make him the highest-paid safety in the league. Baker's current contract, a four-year extension worth $59 million, made him the highest-paid safety at the time of signing.
Baker, who has played for the Cardinals since 2017, has been a key player for the team, leading them in tackles last season with 111 and intercepting two passes. He is a two-time All-Pro and has been described as the "heart and soul" of the Cardinals' defense.
Despite Baker's impressive performance, his trade request is not the only news surrounding the Cardinals this offseason. The team was the last to hire a new head coach and received the second-lowest marks in the NFLPA player survey. Additionally, former Cardinals executive Terry McDonough filed an arbitration claim against the team, alleging gross misconduct including cheating, discrimination, and harassment.
There has also been speculation that the team may part ways with star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, who has been granted permission to seek a trade. Hopkins has the highest cap hit on the roster next season at $30.75 million, leading to speculation that the team may try to trade or release him to reduce his salary.
If the Cardinals were to trade both Baker and Hopkins in the same offseason, they would be losing two of their most important players on both sides of the ball.
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