Reasons the Chicago Bears Should Pursue this Premier Safety
It's been two months since Arizona Cardinals' star safety, Budda Baker, expressed his desire for a trade, but the horizon still seems uncertain. Should the Chicago Bears' GM, Ryan Poles, make a strategic move?
If Poles' past bold moves are anything to go by, acquiring Baker would fit right into his playbook. In his second year as GM, Poles has demonstrated a fearless and proactive approach. Remember how he brilliantly capitalized on the Carolina Panthers' desperation for a franchise quarterback, trading the No.1 pick in the 2023 NFL Draft for a handsome collection of draft picks and wide receiver D.J. Moore? Or his midseason deal securing Pittsburgh Steelers wide receiver Chase Claypool? Evidently, Poles knows how to negotiate a deal.
It's high time for Poles to show his mettle again and consider the prospects of a trade for Baker.
The Cardinals' strategy for 2023 seems quite clear. With franchise quarterback Kyler Murray still on the road to recovery from an ACL injury and the release of star receiver DeAndre Hopkins, a rebuilding phase appears imminent for the Cardinals. As their new head coach, Jonathan Gannon, and general manager, Monti Ossenfort, find their footing, Baker might not want to stick around for another trying year. And this is exactly where the Bears can swoop in.
Armed with a generous cache of draft picks, the Bears are in a favorable position to propose a deal for Baker. Sure, the five-time Pro Bowler won't come cheap, but the investment could be a game-changer for a Bears team primed for victory.
Pairing Baker with current safety Eddie Jackson could prove a formidable challenge for opponents. This duo could arguably rival the prowess of the Buffalo Bills' Micah Hyde and Jordan Poyer.
Baker, a seasoned strong safety, would complement Jackson's knack for intercepting passes. Their combined skillset could be a match made in heaven.
Where does this leave safety Jaquan Brisker? The Bears could strategically position the Penn State star at cornerback, a position currently lacking depth in the roster. A defense consisting of Brisker at corner, Baker and Jackson as safety partners, wouldn't be an easy play for any quarterback.
With the Bears having already added veteran players like linebackers T.J. Edwards and Tremaine Edmunds this offseason, Baker's addition would further enhance the team's defensive depth and provide experienced leadership.
Only time will tell if Baker will sport a Bears jersey, but if the Bears don't seize the opportunity soon, they could lose out on securing the in-demand safety. Let's not forget; Baker's name has already been linked to the Philadelphia Eagles and the Jacksonville Jaguars.
| POLL | ||
25 JUIN | 86 ANSWERS Reasons the Chicago Bears Should Pursue this Premier Safety Should the Bears sign Budda Baker? | ||
| Yes | 43 | 50 % |
| No | 43 | 50 % |
| List of polls | ||
