The Arizona Cardinals‘ star defensive end Buddha Baker caused a stir in the NFL on Friday, with it being revealed that he wants to be traded to another team for the 2023 season.
The 27-year-old safety has been with the Cardinals the past six seasons and recorded 650 total tackles.
Even though the franchise finished with a 4-13 record and in last place in the NFC West division last season, Baker notched his fourth year with 100 or more tackles in the league.
But, the team’s difficult situation has led Baker to demand a trade, according to Ian Rapoport.
The player also stated on social media that he loves the Cardinals fans, but this was seen as many as being a goodbye.
Also on social media, he had removed reference to Arizona from his bio and shared a meme suggesting something had become “personal” between the player and the organisation.
Budda Baker’s frustrations at the Arizona Cardinals
During the 2022 season, Buddha Baker‘s frustrations were made very public when he and the team appeared on ‘Hard Knocks’.
“We need to step the f**k up,” he was seen shouting in the locker room when giving a passionate speech to his teammates.
Problems for the Arizona Cardinals
While it remains to be seen what happens with Baker and if the Cardinals will trade him, this news is just the latest blow to the organisation, one currently transitioning from Cliff Kingsbury to first-time head coach Jonathan Gannonwith Steve Keim having also departed as general manager.
Starting quarterback Kyler Murray is also recovering from an ACL injury, while star wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins could leave too.
Off the field, Terry McDonougha former vice-president at the franchise, accused Michael Bidwill of gross misconduct.
The Cardinals‘ public relations office has denied the allegations, although the NFL will determine whether arbitration is appropriate.
