According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker has requested a trade from the Arizona Cardinals. The source said that Baker expressed his desire to be traded or receive a new deal to become the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Baker signed a four-year, $59 million extension in 2020 making him the highest-paid safety at that time.
Baker has played with the Cardinals for six NFL seasons, and last year he led the team with 111 tackles and intercepted two passes. A two-time All-Pro, Baker has become the heart and soul of the Cardinals’ defense due to his play and leadership.
This is just the latest headline in what has been an eventful offseason for the Cardinals. From the hiring of a new head coach after the Super Bowl, to player surveys that received the second-lowest marks from NFLPA to allegations of gross misconduct, including cheating, discrimination, and harassment charges filed by a former Cardinals executive to NFL Commissioner Roger Goodell, there has been a great deal of noise surrounding the organization.
Moreover, there have been rumors that the Cardinals plan to move on from star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, whose cap hit of $30.75 million next season is the highest on the team. If the Cardinals trade both Baker and Hopkins, they will lose two stars and stalwarts on both sides of the ball.
It remains to be seen how the Cardinals will manage the situation with Baker and Hopkins, but one thing is certain: losing two of the best players in the league in one offseason would be a significant blow to the franchise.
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