Budda Baker Secures Landmark Contract with Cardinals
A Big Day for Arizona Cardinals and Budda Baker
In what has become a significant moment for both the Arizona Cardinals and Budda Baker, the two parties have come to an agreement on a lucrative three-year contract extension worth $50 million. This new deal not only provides financial security but also ensures that Baker remains a central figure in the Cardinals' defense through 2027.
The extension is substantial, including $30 million guaranteed, which speaks volumes about how much the Cardinals value Baker's contributions on the field. At $18 million per year, this deal stands as the fourth-largest contract ever signed by an NFL safety. Such a lucrative contract underscores the high esteem in which Baker is held within the league.
A Journey from Draft to Record-Setting Success
Baker, who was drafted in the second round back in 2017, has steadily turned heads in the NFL with his incredible talent and relentless work ethic. This season, he's recorded 142 tackles, placing him not only second-highest in his own career but also second-most in the league—an impressive feat by any measure. Before this latest extension, he was operating under a 2020 contract for four years and $59 million, with an annual average of $14.2 million.
Baker's accolades speak for themselves. Having achieved three All-Pro selections and been named to the Pro Bowl six times, his journey through the NFL is a testament to his consistent performance and dedication to the sport.
Baker's Perspective: A Love for the Game
Reflecting on his career and mindset, Budda Baker shared an insightful perspective over the summer, an attitude that certainly complements his achievements on the field: “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.”
It's this kind of dedication and passion for the game that makes Baker not only a valuable player for the Cardinals but also a role model for young athletes everywhere.