When fans talk about how the Chicago Bears can level up their defense this offseason, the conversation almost always starts and ends with edge rushers - names like Maxx Crosby and Myles Garrett dominate the wish list. And sure, adding a premier pass rusher would be a game-changer. But if we’re being honest, there’s another area on this defense that deserves just as much attention: safety.
That position room is headed toward major turnover. Four safeties on the current roster are set to hit free agency, including key contributors like Kevin Byard, Jaquan Brisker, and C.J.
Gardner-Johnson. Realistically, the Bears might bring back one - maybe two - of those guys.
That leaves a big hole on the back end of the defense. Enter Budda Baker.
The veteran safety could be on the move this offseason, and the Bears are a team that makes a lot of sense. Baker’s situation in Arizona is in flux.
The Cardinals are staring down another rebuild, and Baker, now 29, might not be interested in sticking around for another long-term project. Chicago, on the other hand, is a team on the rise.
They’ve got a young core, a defense that took real strides in 2025, and playoff aspirations. For a player like Baker, that could be an ideal landing spot.
Let’s talk fit. Baker still has two years left on his deal, and yes, his cap hit is north of $19 million this upcoming season.
That’s not pocket change, and the Bears would need to do some financial maneuvering to make room. But if GM Ryan Poles believes this team is ready to contend - and all signs point to that being the case - then adding a player of Baker’s caliber might be worth the squeeze.
Because make no mistake: Budda Baker is still one of the best in the game. He’s a five-time Pro Bowler with a résumé that’s starting to whisper “Canton” if he keeps this up.
Even on a struggling Cardinals team this past season, he racked up 120 tackles, added a half sack, and picked off a pass. His game is built on versatility, smarts, and a relentless motor - the kind of traits that make defensive coordinators drool.
And in Dennis Allen’s aggressive, disguise-heavy system, Baker would be a natural fit. If the Bears retain Kevin Byard at free safety, Baker could slide in perfectly next to him as the strong safety, creating a veteran duo with serious range and football IQ.
Now, what would it take to get him? That’s the million-dollar question.
Baker’s contract complicates things, but his value as a player is undeniable. A mid-round pick - maybe a third or fourth - could be the starting point.
That’s not a steep price for a player who can immediately elevate your defense. Of course, it all hinges on what Arizona wants and whether Baker pushes for a move.
Given how much he’s given to that franchise, the Cardinals might be willing to accommodate him if he asks out.
Bottom line: if the Bears want to solidify the back end of their defense with a proven playmaker, Budda Baker is a name they should be circling in bold. He brings leadership, production, and the kind of edge that can change a locker room. With the NFC North up for grabs and Chicago looking to take the next step, this is the kind of move that could make a real difference.