In a move underscoring their commitment to defensive excellence, the Arizona Cardinals have secured the services of star safety Budda Baker for an additional three years with a lucrative $50 million contract extension. This deal not only reaffirms Baker’s pivotal role in the team’s defensive scheme but also underscores the Cardinals' faith in his leadership and skill on the field.
A Landmark Deal
Valued at $18 million annually, Baker's contract extension stands as the fourth-largest ever in the history of NFL safeties. The extension includes an impressive $30 million guaranteed, solidifying Baker's presence in the Arizona backfield through 2027.
Baker’s journey with the Cardinals began in 2017 after being selected in the second round of the NFL Draft. Since then, he has developed into not only a cornerstone of the Cardinals’ defense but also one of the premier safeties in the league. The current contract surpasses his previous four-year, $59 million deal signed in 2020, which had an average annual salary of $14.2 million. Such progression in compensation, both in guaranteed money and annual salary, highlights Baker’s ascension in the league hierarchy.
Consistency and Excellence
This contract extension comes on the heels of another remarkable season for Baker. He recorded 142 tackles, which marks not only the second-highest total of his career but also the second-highest in the league this season. His performance continues to speak volumes of his consistency and impact on the field, reinforcing the decision to extend his tenure with the Cardinals with a reward befitting his contributions.
Baker’s domination on the field is reflected in his accolades - three All-Pro selections and six Pro Bowl appearances. Such consistency also reflects a level of professionalism and dedication rare in the league, qualities that Baker himself articulated last 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,” Baker shared. This mindset, coupled with his love for the game, underscores his commitment to delivering performances that merit such generous contract extensions.
A Future Anchored in Leadership
This strategic move by the Cardinals not only anchors their defense with an athlete of Baker’s caliber but also sets a standard and expectation within the team. His presence in the secondary is not just about athleticism but also about leadership and setting a tone for work ethic and resilience.
“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,” said Baker. Such a statement from Baker not only resonates with the ethos of the sport but also serves as a blueprint for aspiring athletes within the franchise.
As the Cardinals look towards future seasons, having Baker secured through 2027 provides a backbone for their defensive strategy. Whether it’s mentoring young players or making pivotal plays, Baker’s continued presence is invaluable. This extension is not just a commitment to one player, but an investment in the identity and future success of the Cardinals.
The decision to extend Budda Baker reflects the Arizona Cardinals' understanding of the importance of maintaining a strong, stable core to their team. In Baker, they not only have a formidable athlete but a leader whose impact transcends statistics, resonating through the locker room and onto the field every Sunday.