The Chicago Bears don't have much salary cap space right now, but that will change in the coming weeks before the new league year starts.
If things go a certain way, the Bears could be left to replace both of their starting safeties this offseason. Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are both free agents, and both could find greener pastures elsewhere.
At best, it's set up to be a one-or-the-other decision for the front office, and the general sentiment on who to keep may lean toward Byard, even though he's older.
What cannot happen for the Bears' defense next season is a downgrade or a question mark in a key secondary role.
On that front, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report has offered a trade target for the Bears to fill the potential void left by Brisker.
Bears Receive:Â S Budda Baker
Cardinals Receive:Â 2026 third-round pick (No. 89), 2027 fourth-round pick
"The Bears are fresh off a breakout season in Ben Johnson's first season, but they have major questions at the safety position. Both Kevin Byard and Jaquan Brisker are slated to become free agents."
"Byard is coming off an All-Pro season, but he's also 32. Brisker is coming off his rookie contract and has played a full season just once in four years."
"Chicago has a two-year window left before Caleb Williams fifth-year option kicks in and they have to start paying the quarterback. A move to acquire another star defensive player in Baker is the kind of all-in move that could raise the stakes in the NFC North."
"Baker was named to his seventh-consecutive Pro Bowl this season, raking up 120 tackles for the Cardinals defense. His versatility and tackling ability make him a huge chess piece in Arizona's defense."
"It would also make him right at home in Dennis Allen's defense. The fact that he could chase a ring in Chicago after a few rough seasons in Arizona makes the idea even more fun."
Bears can rescue Budda Baker from his career-long purgatory
Baker has spent his entire eight-year career with the Cardinals, with seven Pro Bowl selections, four All-Pro team nods (two First-Team), and just one playoff game on his resume.
Arizona also has a new head coach, and a big roster reset seems to be coming this offseason. That means some veterans could be on the way out, including Baker if there's an opportunity to send him somewhere and get draft picks back.
Read more: Bold prediction has Bears pivoting to downgrade from likely offseason departure
The Cardinals could (should) do Baker a favor and send him to a contender if they're considering trading him. The Bears are in that category, and they may have a notable void to fill at safety. There's a sneaky match here, if the equation takes shape that way.