In a stunning offseason development, the Arizona Cardinals have reportedly agreed to terms on a massive contract extension with All-Pro safety Budda Baker. According to a source close to the situation, the new deal is worth $54 million over three years, with $30 million fully guaranteed.
Baker Secures His Future in Arizona
The extension, which averages $18 million per year, makes Budda Baker the third-highest paid safety in NFL history. It’s a well-deserved payday for the 28-year-old, who has been a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense since being drafted in the second round in 2017.
Baker’s impact on the field is undeniable. He has earned six Pro Bowl selections and three First-Team All-Pro nods in his seven seasons with the Cardinals. Known for his versatility, instincts, and hard-hitting style of play, Baker has established himself as one of the premier safeties in the game.
A Leader On and Off the Field
Beyond his on-field accomplishments, Budda Baker is renowned for his leadership and work ethic. His teammates have consistently praised him for setting the standard in the locker room and pushing everyone to be their best.
“Big leader. I feel like he’s a leader. Kind of gets everybody going. When the energy is down, it’s low, he’s the guy that’s getting everybody up. He’s just one of those guys that does everything right.”
– Cardinals safety Jalen Thompson on Budda Baker’s leadership
Baker’s presence has a tangible impact on how opposing offenses game plan against the Cardinals. Teams often commit extra resources to neutralize his playmaking ability, a testament to his influence on the field.
The Road to a New Deal
The path to this extension wasn’t always smooth. Nearly two years ago, Baker publicly requested either a new contract or a trade from the Cardinals. But he never let the negotiations become a distraction, consistently performing at an elite level.
In 2020, Baker signed a four-year, $59 million extension that briefly made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL. Now, as he enters the final year of that deal, the Cardinals have once again rewarded him for his invaluable contributions to the franchise.
“I treat every single year like a contract year. So, of course I want to be a Cardinal, but at the end of the day, I understand it’s a business.”
– Budda Baker on his approach to contract years
Investing in a Franchise Icon
By inking Baker to this lucrative extension, the Cardinals are making a significant investment in a player who has become the heart and soul of their defense. At just 28 years old, Baker is in the prime of his career and shows no signs of slowing down.
The $30 million guaranteed in this new deal provides Baker with long-term financial security while also giving the Cardinals some flexibility in structuring the contract. It’s a win-win scenario for both parties.
The Future is Bright in Arizona
With Budda Baker locked up for the foreseeable future, the Cardinals can now shift their focus to building a championship-caliber roster around him. The team has a promising young core, including quarterback Kyler Murray and wide receiver DeAndre Hopkins, and they’ll look to add more pieces in the coming years.
For Baker, this extension represents an opportunity to cement his legacy as one of the greatest players in Cardinals history. If he continues to perform at his current level, he could one day find himself enshrined in the Pro Football Hall of Fame.
As the NFL offseason continues to unfold, Budda Baker’s massive extension serves as a reminder of the value teams place on elite talent. The Cardinals have made it clear that they view Baker as a foundational piece of their franchise, and they’re willing to invest heavily to keep him in Arizona for years to come.
Only time will tell if this move pays off with a Super Bowl championship, but one thing is certain: Budda Baker will continue to give everything he has to help the Cardinals succeed, both on and off the field.
