Budda Baker, S, Arizona Cardinals
Finally, this is a player that could fill another big need for the Bears this offseason. The safety position is likely to have a void, shortly, with the Bears cutting Eddie Jackson.
Jackson is a likely cut candidate for a couple of reasons. First, his play has dropped off in a big way over the last few seasons. Secondly, by cutting him, the Bears would save almost $13 million. It makes sense.
Back in April of last year, Cardinals safety Budda Baker requested a trade out of Arizona. The Cardinals responded by giving him a pay increase for the final two years of his deal, but I would still consider him a trade candidate. The Cardinals are rebuilding, and the Bears are closer to competing than Arizona is.
If the Bears were able to land Baker, their secondary might just be the best in football. Baker is a true do-it-all safety, being able to make plays in coverage and he is also a force near the line of scrimmage. Re-signing Jaylon Johnson, boasting safeties like Baker and Jaquan Brisker, plus Tyrique Stevenson and Kyler Gordon? Watch out.