Budda Baker To The Bears? Why This Surprise Trade Buzz Suddenly Surfaced

When discussing possible trades the Chicago Bears could make to boost their defense this offseason, the same names come up. Pass rushers like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett dominate the discussion. No other position is even mentioned, even though it probably should be. At the top of that list is safety. No less than four names on the roster are free agents this year, including Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J. Gardner-Johnson. There is a strong possibility that two of those three won’t return next season. So what do the Bears do? Say hello to Budda Baker.

Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report believes there is a strong chance the star veteran safety might be near his end with the Arizona Cardinals. The team is likely facing a rebuild under a new coaching staff, and he may not wish to stick around for that. Chicago would present the perfect chance to join a playoff contender who desperately needs stability at the position.

Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both slated to become free agents. If the Bears can’t retain both then safety could become a priority. Budda Baker has been in and out of the trade rumor mill over the last few seasons. He could be available if he’s not wanting to go through another coaching change in Arizona.

Baker is 29 years old and has two years left on his contract. His salary cap hit would be just over $19 million this year. So if the Bears wanted to do this, they’d have to create enough space to make it happen.

Budda Baker has been one of the best safeties for a long time.

Despite not even being 30 yet, he’s already an eight-time Pro Bowler and is putting himself in the Hall of Fame discussion. He played for a dismal team this season, but was still productive with 120 tackles, a half sack, and an interception. His versatility, intelligence, and playmaking instinct are almost impossible to replicate. There is no question he’d be right at home in Dennis Allen’s creative and aggressive scheme. Presuming the Bears keep Byard at free safety, then Baker would be the perfect complement next to him.

As to compensation, it’s not entirely clear what he would fetch. Budda Baker is still in his prime and an excellent player. However, his hefty contract makes any deal difficult. Recent history says the Bears are probably looking at least a mid-round pick, maybe a little more. It isn’t a huge price, but will Arizona consider it? That may depend on whether Baker pressures them to make a deal. If he wants out, they are unlikely to deny his request after so many years of stellar service.