Budda Baker Secures Three-Year Extension with the Arizona Cardinals
In a significant move for both player and team, Budda Baker and the Arizona Cardinals have solidified their partnership with a three-year contract extension worth an impressive $50 million. This deal includes $30 million in guaranteed money, ensuring Baker's presence in the Cardinals' defense until 2027.
At $18 million per year, Baker's contract stands as the fourth-largest safety deal in NFL history. This landmark agreement underscores Baker’s value not only to the Cardinals but also across the league. The financial commitment reflects Baker's impressive contributions on the field and his integral role in the Cardinals’ defensive lineup.
Baker's journey with the Cardinals began in the 2017 NFL Draft, where he was selected in the second round. Since then, Baker has consistently proven himself as an elite player in the league. This season, Baker has accumulated 142 tackles, marking the second-highest tally in his career and placing him among the top performers in the league. His persistent excellence is a testament to his work ethic and dedication.
The new contract is not his first major deal with the Cardinals. In 2020, Baker agreed to a four-year, $59 million contract, which averaged $14.2 million annually. The recent extension builds upon that foundation, offering an increased annual average and cementing Baker's prominence within the NFL.
Throughout his career, Baker has achieved significant accolades, including three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances. These honors illustrate his status as one of the premier safeties in football today. His performances have continually drawn praise and recognition from both peers and pundits alike.
Beyond the statistics and accolades, Budda Baker's approach to the game is rooted deeply in passion and professionalism. As Baker himself expressed over the 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. 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.”
These words offer a glimpse into Baker’s mindset, highlighting the dedication that has propelled him to the upper echelons of the sport. His philosophy of consistent effort and focus on controllable factors aligns perfectly with the intensity and commitment expected at the professional level.
With this extension, the Arizona Cardinals not only retain a player of Baker's caliber but also send a clear message about their ambitions. Keeping a core player like Baker solidifies their defensive strategy and suggests confidence in building a championship-contending team.
As Baker continues to make his mark in the NFL, both individually and within the framework of the Cardinals' aspirations, his story is a powerful reminder of the blend of talent, perseverance, and passion required to succeed at the highest level of football. The groundwork he has laid thus far—with more surely to come—will undoubtedly leave a lasting legacy, both in Arizona and across the league. The forthcoming years promise to be an exciting chapter for Budda Baker and the Arizona Cardinals’ faithful.