Budda Baker Secures Future with Cardinals in Landmark Deal
In a move that both captivates fans and solidifies the Arizona Cardinals' defensive prowess, Budda Baker has inked a substantial three-year extension with the team. The contract, valued at $50 million with $30 million guaranteed, ensures Baker remains a cornerstone of the Cardinals' defense through 2027.
Baker's new deal makes headlines not just for its financial significance but also for its historical standing. Averaging $18 million annually, the contract is now recognized as the fourth-largest for a safety in NFL history. This agreement reflects Baker's value and pivotal role within the Cardinals' lineup, a role underscored by his stellar performance stats and leadership on the field.
Having been selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft by Arizona, Budda Baker has grown into one of the most formidable safeties in the league. His tenacity and skill have been evident throughout his career but perhaps no more so than this season. Baker has already recorded 142 tackles, marking the second-highest tally of his career and positioning him as the second-highest in the league this year. Such statistics not only highlight his excellence but also his consistency and dedication to the sport.
This extension is not Baker's first major contract with the Cardinals. In 2020, he agreed to a four-year, $59 million deal, which averaged $14.2 million annually. That contract laid the foundation for Baker's continued impact on the field, resulting in three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances, accolades that speak volumes about his skill level and importance to the team’s success.
Baker's perspective on his career and the recent contract can be gleaned from his own words spoken this past summer: “A lot of people think about the money. Some players might think, 'Contract year, I gotta do extra.' I treat every single year like a contract year. For me, I love this game. I play it at a high level each and every week because of the work I put in each and every week. For me, I'm an honest believer in controlling what I can control and do my job. At the end of the day, everything else will take care of itself.”
Such comments reflect Baker's passion and unwavering dedication to football—traits that undoubtedly influenced the Cardinals’ decision to extend his contract. They also echo a mindset prevalent among elite athletes: the understanding that performance and preparation are paramount regardless of financial considerations.
For the Cardinals, retaining Baker is a crucial move as the team looks to ensure stability and effectiveness in its defensive lineup for the coming years. His presence on the field is not just about defensive numbers; it's about inspiration and leadership, key elements in building a team capable of reaching the playoffs and beyond.
Baker's journey with the Cardinals illustrates a narrative of progression and success—both personally and professionally. As the years unfold, observers, fans, and analysts alike will watch with anticipation to see how Baker's influence and performance continue to shape the Cardinals’ future.
While the details of contracts often dominate headlines, in Baker’s case, it is his on-field prowess and off-field presence that make this extension so compelling. It underscores a commitment not only to his own career aspirations but to the aspirations of the Arizona Cardinals as a formidable force in the NFL.