The Arizona Cardinals are facing the loss of one of the NFL’s best defensive players: safety Budda Baker has asked for a trade, according to consistent media reports.

The shake-up at the Arizona Cardinals continues and could soon make for a blockbuster trade in the NFL.

According to several US media outlets, star safety Budda Baker has asked the Cardinals for a trade. The five-time Pro Bowler is one of the league’s best players at his position, twice being named First-Team All-Pro.

The 27-year-old has two years remaining on his contract with the Cardinals. In 2023, a non-guaranteed salary of just over 13 million dollars is in his employment contract, a year later it would be just over 14 million dollars.

Baker himself declared his love for Cardinals fans via Twitter. Earlier he removed the reference “AZ” from his bio on Twitter, at the same time he posted a cryptic GIF of Michael Jordan. With this, he hints that it’s “something personal. “

pic.twitter.com/gPg8P95Tmp

– Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 13, 2023

Unrest at Cardinals intensifies

After three years at the University of Washington, Baker was drafted in the second round by the Cardinals in 2017. Since then, he has emerged as the leader of the team’s defence, posting his fourth season with at least 100 tackles in 2022.

The trade request for their exceptional defensive player comes at an already turbulent time for the Cardinals. After a disappointing season with only four wins, the franchise parted ways with head coach Kliff Kingsbury and installed a rookie at the position in Jonathan Gannon as his successor.

Quarterback Kyler Murray is still suffering from a torn cruciate ligament and there are reports of a possible trade for wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins.

Love you Cardinal fans!!!

– Budda Baker (@Buddabaker3) April 14, 2023