The Chicago Bears are heading into the 2026 offseason with some big challenges on their plate, especially when it comes to managing their salary cap. Currently in the red, they've got some maneuvering to do. Luckily, there are a few ways to tackle this - whether it’s cutting players, extending contracts, or exploring trades.
Once they get the cap situation under control, the Bears will face a crucial decision regarding their safety lineup. With their top safeties entering free agency, there's an intriguing proposal on the table: trading for Arizona Cardinals' standout safety, Budda Baker, an eight-time Pro Bowler.
Here's the trade breakdown: the Bears would receive Budda Baker, while the Cardinals would get a 2026 third-round pick (No. 89) and a 2027 fourth-round pick. Baker is currently under a hefty $54 million contract through 2027, with cap hits of $19.2 million in 2026 and $20 million in 2027. The Bears, however, would have the option to exit the contract after the 2026 season.
The trade would mean the Bears are parting with some valuable draft capital, but they'd be bringing in Baker as a key starter, not just a temporary fix. At 30 years old, Baker has been a force since his rookie season in 2017, racking up eight Pro Bowl appearances in nine seasons. His career stats are impressive: eight interceptions, 44 passes defended, 10 sacks, and 1,021 total tackles.
With Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, and Chauncy Gardner-Johnson hitting free agency, the Bears could opt for Baker instead of splurging on one of these free agents. This move wouldn't prevent them from signing any of their unrestricted free agents, but it would secure one of the league’s top safeties and give Baker a fresh start in Chicago, potentially setting the stage for a Super Bowl run after his long tenure with the Cardinals.