Bears' trade idea would fill safety need with eight-time Cardinals Pro Bowler

The Chicago Bears are entering the 2026 offseason with a few major issues to resolve. Their cap is a big issue, as they're currently in the negative.

Fortunately, it's an issue that's easily resolved by cutting players, extending others, or even making a few trades. But, after their cap issue is resolved, the Bears will have a big decision to make in the safety room.

With their top safeties hitting free agency, Alex Ballentine of Bleacher Report proposes the Bears swing a trade with the Arizona Cardinals for an eight-time Pro Bowl safety. This would be a great way to fill their safety needs this offseason.

Bears trade idea lands Cardinals eight-time Pro Bowl safety

"Bears Receive: S Budda Baker. Cardinals Receive: 2026 third-round pick (No. 89), 2027 fourth-round pick," Ballentine proposes.

Budda Baker is a veteran safety in the middle of a $54 million contract through the 2027 season. He's for a $19.2 million cap hit in 2026 and a $20 million cap hit in 2027. But the Bears can get out of his contract after 2026 if they want.

But, in this scenario that Ballentine proposes, the Bears would be moving on from two valuable assets over the next two drafts to land Baker. The Cardinals' safety would be coming to Chicago to be a starter, not as a stopgap.

More: Bears predicted to re-sign Kevin Byard to pair with Rams free agent DB

Baker is 30 years old, and since his 2017 rookie season, he's made eight Pro Bowls in nine seasons. He's recorded eight interceptions and 44 passes defended in his career with 10 sacks and 1,021 total tackles.

Kevin Byard III, Jaquan Brisker, and Chauncy Gardner-Johnson are hitting free agency. Instead of spending on one of those safeties, the Bears could trade for Baker and land one of the best safeties in the NFL.

This also wouldn't stop the Bears from signing one of their unrestricted free agents. This trade idea would just give the Bears one of the NFL's best safeties and allow Baker to chase a Super Bowl with Chicago after nearly a decade with the Cardinals.

More Bears news:

• Bears' list of 2026 NFL draft picks, free agents and cap space going into offseason
• Bears linked to Steelers DB who played just 100 snaps as Kevin Byard replacement
• Bears predicted to replace Tremaine Edmunds with trade for Saints' 63-game starter
• Bears in fantastic 'win-win' situation at 25th overall in 2026 NFL Draft
• Bears urged to cut ties with 2024 third-round offensive line bust
• Bears trade idea from ESPN acquires Maxx Crosby for DJ Moore, first round pick, more