Cardinals rumors: $14M star may be granted trade before Week 1

New Arizona Cardinals rumors predict the team could be open to trading veteran safety Budda Baker before the start of the 2026 season. While QB Jacoby Brissett has grabbed the spotlight in Arizona in the latest drama, Baker is believed to be “lowballed” among its players in terms of money, including star tight end Trey McBride. The former eight-time Pro Bowler didn’t hold back from his displeasure, as he could request a trade from the team. With this, don’t be surprised if the Cardinals grant the wish because here’s what one source had to say:

“Recently, (Trey) McBride told a national podcast that he, too, felt lowballed by the team during recent contract negotiations. That’s depressing. And by digging in against Brissett over a number that Baker called ‘below the bare minimum,’ the Cardinals are reinforcing dangerous stereotypes and long-held complaints against the organization,” the source said.

Originally selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, the former Washington product has spent his entire career in Arizona. However, after appearing in just one postseason matchup throughout those years, the safety could be prepared to bolt for a winning roster. The veteran is still under contract through the 2027 season, so it would’ve been easier if he were in his last year.

Cardinals Rumors: $14M Star May Be Granted Trade Before Week 1

So What?

There haven’t been any rumblings from the veteran himself, but if the Cardinals endure another losing season, it makes sense to move him while he’s still somewhat younger. He’ll be 32-years-old once he’s available on the market, but will anyone be interested? It’s a hard market for safeties, so the best decision for Baker is to grant a trade request before it’s too late.

Meanwhile, the team is entering a rebuild era led by new head coach Mike LaFleur. They drafted QB Carson Beck while signing Gardner Minshew as a bridge. The Cardinals still have other key players without a new deal, including Josh Sweat and Michael Wilson. They’d likely prioritize them over the veteran safety, so here are three teams that could be ready to target him once he’s available.

3. Baltimore Ravens

The Baltimore Ravens are building one of the most special safety units in the league. After signing Jaylinn Hawkins, the team has him, Kyle Hamilton and Malaki Starks to strengthen this room. However, with expected pass-rushing issues since they lost Dre’Mont Jones, upgrading the safety unit further could outweigh the woes. QB Lamar Jackson finally wants to win a Super Bowl with new head coach Jesse Minter, so this is a perfect fit for Baker, who could join in a rotational role.

He isn’t going ballhawking on every down, but the Ravens are going to need his presence in the postseason if the team makes it.

2. Kansas City Chiefs

Meanwhile, the Chiefs underwent major changes in their secondary room. The team lost Trent McDuffie, Jaylen Watson and Bryan Cook in one offseason. Despite signing Alohi Gilman to a long-term deal, there’s room for growth in the safety unit. Chamarri Conner and Jaden Hicks are solid, but if they want to elevate it, they should consider Baker. Kansas City wants to return to the postseason, and they could use more firepower to turn the ball over, and maybe the Cardinals veteran can help achieve that.

1. Minnesota Vikings

While Harrison Smith has not officially retired yet, the Minnesota Vikings are holding the door open for his return after releasing him this offseason. The Vikings have a rotational safety room, including Theo Jackson, Josh Metellus, Jay Ward and Jakobe Thomas. Other than Metellus, none of these potential stars have proven themselves yet. Maybe Baker can step in as a fresh veteran, and his leadership can benefit the Minnesota secondary.