3 Chiefs Trade Targets Heading Into NFL Draft

2. S Budda Baker, Arizona Cardinals

The Chiefs' secondary took a hit when they traded star cornerback L'Jarius Sneed to the Tennessee Titans. While Kansas City still boasts solid defensive backs like Trent McDuffie, Chamarri Conner, and Justin Reid, it wouldn't hurt to add another playmaker to the mix.

That's why the Chiefs must target the Arizona Cardinals' Budda Baker.

Baker — a six-time Pro Bowl and three-time All-Pro safety — has found himself in trade rumors yet again. Rumors of a potential trade emerged last summer when Baker and the Cardinals couldn't agree on a long-term extension. Fast forward to now when CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin predicts that the veteran defender could be traded ahead of next week's draft.

"If [the Cardinals] can get a solid pick in return [for Baker], they might prefer another younger investment on a seemingly ascending unit. Baker's versatility and physical punch, meanwhile, could be appealing to teams more suited to contend.
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- CBS Sports' Cody Benjamin

Even though the 2023 campaign was a down year by Baker's standards, a move to Kansas City could be beneficial. He's still one of the best safeties in the league (proven by his five consecutive Pro Bowl nods) and I wouldn't be shocked if playing for the Chiefs helps him return to his All-Pro form.

Baker is signed through the 2024 season with a $19 million cap hit, which isn't an issue for the Chiefs, who have $20 million in space (per Spotrac). They'd likely be willing to sign him for the long term if he arrives as advertised, but I also wouldn't mind risking him sticking around for only one year if it means pulling off the NFL's first-ever three-peat.