Budda Baker. Mark J. Rebilas-USA TODAY Sports

Should Bengals trade for S Budda Baker?

By Aaron Becker | Last updated 4/18/23

The Bengals lost both of their 2022 starting safeties in free agency with defensive coordinator Lou Anarumo naming it a "dark day ." So, should Cincinnati attempt to trade for safety Budda Baker?

Baker requested a trade from the Cardinals last week and an NFC executive told NFL reporter Albert Breer that Arizona could trade the veteran safety for a second or third-round pick.

Update: The #Cardinals Safety Budda Baker could be traded for a 2nd or 3rd round pick, an NFC executive tells @AlbertBreer

He adds that had Baker not wanted a new contract, his trade value would've been higher. pic.twitter.com/Y9z49dqiwe
— Dov Kleiman (@NFL_DovKleiman) April 17, 2023

If that is the case, the Bengals, who have been named a top trade destination for Baker, should at least consider it. Cincinnati is in win-now mode and if the team can add the 27-year-old to its roster without giving up a first-round pick, it seems like a steal.

The Bengals signed safety Nick Scott this offseason to play alongside second-year safety Daxton Hill, but Baker would certainly be an upgrade over either player.

The five-time Pro Bowler has 650 tackles, 7.5 sacks, six forced fumbles and seven interceptions in his career.

Things could get a little tricky as Baker wants a new contract and Cincinnati is planning to soon pay QB Joe Burrow as well. But with nothing imminent and just under $17M still in cap space, why not go all in while Burrow is still cheap?

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