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Reason for Budda Baker's Trade Request From Cardinals Revealed

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker requested a trade from the team, according to various NFL insiders. Now, we know why.

Donnie Druin

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Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker reportedly requested a trade from the team, according to various NFL insiders. Ian Rapoport was the first to report the request. 

It was a report that sent shockwaves through the league, as one of the best safeties in all of football - who just received an extension in 2020 - wanted out. Baker is 27-years-old and still has plenty of great football ahead of him. 

The All-Pro safety had seen plenty of ups and downs with the Cardinals following his selection in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, and even with Arizona very clearly going into a rebuild, it appeared Baker could continue to be the cornerstone player for the Cardinals to rely on moving forward. 

Baker's loyalty has apparently reached the limit, and the request left many wondering why Baker would decide to leave town. 

Now, we just might have a clue. 

ESPN's Adam Schefter reported - from a team source - that Baker informed the Cardinals in February that he wanted to be traded or receive a new deal to make him the highest-paid safety.

Baker has two years left on his deal, none of which carry any guaranteed money. He has base salaries of $13 million and $14.2 million remaining on his contract. 

In terms of total cash, Jessie Bates III leads the way with $23 million in 2023 for safeties. Kevin Byard has the highest cap hit at $19.6 million while Derwin James has the highest amount of guaranteed money with $42 million. 

Justin Simmons ($14.4 million) is first in base salary. 

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Donnie Druin
DONNIE DRUIN

Donnie Druin is the Publisher for All Cardinals and Inside The Suns. Donnie moved to Arizona in 2012 and has been with Fan Nation since 2018. In college he won "Best Sports Column" in the state of Arizona for his section and has previously provided coverage for the Pittsburgh Steelers and Arizona State Sun Devils. Follow Donnie on Twitter @DonnieDruin for more news, updates, analysis and more!