In a significant move that cements his future with the Arizona Cardinals, safety Budda Baker has agreed to a lucrative three-year contract extension worth $50 million, making him one of the highest-paid safeties in the NFL. This deal includes a substantial $30 million in guaranteed money, securing Baker with the team through the 2027 season.
A Landmark Deal
This extension represents a major endorsement of Baker's talent and contributions to the Cardinals. Averaging $18 million annually, the new contract is the fourth-largest for a safety in NFL history. This follows his previous four-year, $59 million contract signed in 2020, which had an annual average value of $14.2 million. Baker's elevated status is a testament to his consistent performance and leadership on the field.
Baker, who was selected by the Cardinals in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, has been a cornerstone of the team’s defense since his arrival. Over the course of his career, Baker has earned three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances, underscoring his impact as one of the elite safeties in the league. His influence extends beyond personal accolades; with 142 tackles this season alone, Baker has demonstrated exceptional skill and dedication, ranking second-highest in his career and second-most in the league.
Commitment and Mentality
During the summer, Budda Baker reflected on his approach to the game, sharing insights into his mindset that have guided his successful career. “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,” Baker expressed.
Baker's comments highlight the passion and professionalism that have characterized his tenure with the Cardinals. His dedication to the sport and his ability to remain focused on personal excellence over financial motives is reflective of the qualities that teams cherish in a leader and a competitor. Such a mindset has not only earned him personal accolades but has also provided a blueprint for younger players in the organization.
Impact on the Cardinals
By securing Baker’s long-term services, the Cardinals have solidified a critical component of their defense. His ability to read plays, coupled with a knack for making key stops and turnovers, places him in the upper echelon of NFL safeties. The continuity of having a player of Baker's caliber is invaluable for a team seeking to establish itself as a perennial contender in the league.
This extension also serves as a signal to the rest of the NFL about the Cardinals' intentions and aspirations. By committing to Baker, the organization is building a nucleus around which it can add pieces and continue striving for success. Baker's leadership on and off the field is expected to set the tone for a defense that aims to rank among the best in the league.
Looking Ahead
As Budda Baker embarks on this new chapter with the Arizona Cardinals, fans and analysts alike will be eager to see how he continues to shape the defense and influence the team's trajectory. With his exemplary track record and undoubted commitment, Baker stands poised to lead the Cardinals through a competitive landscape, hoping to bring glory back to Arizona.
Baker’s journey and the Cardinals' careful investment in him reflect a mutual confidence and vision for the future. As the 2027 season eventually comes into view, both player and team will be looking to capitalize on this relationship, aiming for achievements that resonate beyond individual honors and contribute to collective triumphs.