Insider believes Broncos should consider deal for five-time Pro Bowler

"So if I'm, say, the Broncos, with Vance Joseph (former Cardinals DC) there, and I have a young WR to spare for a team that might need one post-DeAndre Hopkins, would I think about it? I sure would," wrote Sports Illustrated's Albert Breer.

A team that could offer Arizona a WR would be an appealing suitor because it will likely trade Hopkins, a five-time Pro Bowler, to save cap space and obtain more draft picks.

Broncos HC Sean Payton recently said Denver will not trade WRs Jerry Jeudy or Courtland Sutton, but The Athletic's Jeff Zrebiec reported it almost traded Sutton to Baltimore.

Dealing the 27-year-old wideout would make sense because the Broncos could save $6.8M-$14.4M, per OverTheCap. Also, landing a player of Baker's could make a good defense even better.

At 27, the safety has made five Pro Bowls in six seasons. A secondary of Baker, safety Justin Simmons and Pro Bowl CB Patrick Surtain II would be among the league's elite. 

With star QBs Patrick Mahomes (Chiefs) and Justin Herbert (Chargers) on the schedule twice a season, Denver could use all the help it can get on defending against the pass.

The main obstacle in a potential trade package would be the Broncos' limited draft capital and Baker's contract.

Denver only has five picks in the 2023 NFL Draft and no pick in the first or second round. According to Breer, the asking price for Baker is a second or third-round selection.

Per OverTheCap, Baker has two years and $27.3M remaining on his contract. He could also request a new deal if he's traded.

Acquiring Baker is a stretch for Denver, but the Broncos should at least kick the tires with Arizona.