(Photo by Grant Halverson/Getty Images)
Even though we’re already hearing multiple reports about potential holdouts, Budda Baker won’t play that game with the Arizona Cardinals.
The Pro Bowl safety was at the team’s facility ahead of the mandatory minicamp, according to a report by NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
It’s been almost four months since Baker requested a trade upon the team’s decision to kickstart a rebuild, as he has no interest whatsoever in playing for a team that’s not looking to compete for a Super Bowl right now.
Budda Baker reports for Cardinals’ mandatory minicamp amid trade request, per @RapSheethttps://t.co/ccnBKHN62j pic.twitter.com/LIJAcKrN7S
— Around The NFL (@AroundTheNFL) June 12, 2023
The 27-year-old still has two years left in his current deal, which he signed in 2020.
He’s set to earn a base salary of $13 million next season and $14.2 million in 2024, ranking among the league’s highest-earners in his position.
Notably, though, he’s been worth every penny for the organization, as he’s put up four consecutive seasons with 100+ tackles, even despite playing through injury last season.
He’s in his prime, and it makes perfect sense that he doesn’t want to waste his best years playing for a team that’s looking to build for the future.
Kyler Murray will miss at least half of the season, and the Cardinals have already moved on from some of their stars, and first-year HC Jonathan Gannon will have a tough time winning games in his first year on the job.
There should be plenty of interest in Baker’s services, but it seems like this story could drag itself all the way through the season, especially if he’s willing to play ball and show up instead of holding out.
The post Cardinals Safety Reports To Minicamp Amid Trade Request appeared first on The Cold Wire.