One trade, cut, signing Arizona Cardinals should make

The 2023 Arizona Cardinals were competitive most weeks and even secured a couple of huge upset wins over the Dallas Cowboys, Pittsburgh Steelers and Philadelphia Eagles. 

They still have a long way to go in their rebuild after a 4-13 season, so let's take a look at one trade, one cut and one signing they should make this offseason. 

TRADE: S Budda Baker

Baker has been one of the Cardinals' best players and one of the most impactful defensive backs in the NFL since making his debut during the 2017 season. 

As good as he has been, this might be the time to explore a trade regarding the Pro Bowl defensive back. He is inching closer to his 30th birthday, is in the final year of his contract and took a big step backward in 2023. 

He did not have a single interception, sack, forced fumble, fumble recovery or pass defense in the 12 games he appeared in. He might still have some value to a contender and moving him for a draft pick could help bring in another young piece for the rebuild. 

CUT: OT D.J. Humphries 

Humphries has been a solid player and strong veteran presence for the Cardinals, but he seems like one of the most logical candidates on the roster to be cut. 

Doing so would save the Cardinals over $15 million against the cap if he is released and would open the door for a lot of options at left tackle. 

They could swing 2023 first-round pick Paris Johnson Jr. back over to the left side, while they also own the No. 4 and No. 27 overall picks in the 2024 NFL Draft, either of which could potentially be used to help solidify their offensive line. 

Humphries is 30 years old and suffered a knee injury late last season. When you combine all of that with his potential cap savings, it seems like his time with the Cardinals could be coming to an end. 

SIGNING: DT Justin Madubuike 

Even before making a single cut or trade, the Cardinals are entering the offseason with more than $44 million in salary-cap space to work with. 

That could help fill a lot of needs and one of their biggest is going to be along the defensive line. That is where they would be wise to make a huge push at Justin Madubuike from the Baltimore Ravens. 

The Cardinals desperately need help on the interior of their defensive line, both in terms of pass-rushing and against the run where they allowed a league-worst 143.2 yards per game. 

Madubuike is not only the best interior defensive lineman on the market, but he is young enough (26) that he could still be a huge long-term part of the Arizona rebuild.