Baker’s Steadfast Loyalty
Over the last eight seasons, the Arizona Cardinals have seen significant upheaval, going through four head coaches and two general managers, plus two interim GMs. This constant change has become a defining feature of a franchise still searching for lasting success.
Safety Budda Baker has been a witness to all of this instability throughout his career. Now, he’s set to continue watching it unfold, having signed a new extension that keeps him in Arizona through the 2027 season.
Despite the changes from when he was first drafted, Baker recently shared his reasons for staying with the team. Speaking on The Mina Kimes Show, he emphasized his ongoing commitment to the organization, even amid past disappointments. “I was drafted here, I know it was a different GM and a different coaching staff, but for me all I’ve been trying to do is do my job at a high level each and every day,” Baker said.
“Of course, I’m a sore loser, I hate losing, and my career with the Cardinals has kind of been more losing than winning. But for me it’s just stay ten toes down, you believe in what you believe in, and I believe in this coaching staff, I believe in these players that we brought in, free agency, draft, and very excited for the future.”
Resilience Despite the Record
Since entering the league in 2017, Baker has been part of a Cardinals team that has compiled a 51-80 record. The franchise has managed just one season above .500 and made only a single playoff appearance, a wild-card loss.
Despite the challenging environment, Baker has remained one of the league’s top safeties, earning six consecutive Pro Bowl nods and seven in total, along with two First-Team All-Pro selections.
Contract Tensions and Resolution
Baker’s future with the team came into question in 2023. Just months after the current regime took over, he requested a trade, frustrated over his contract situation and looking for compensation in line with his elite performance. This move sparked concern that one of the team’s most respected veterans might not be around as the franchise attempted to rebuild.
However, the situation was eventually smoothed over when Baker’s contract was restructured to include a pay raise. Later, near the end of the 2024 season, he secured a full extension. The three-year deal brought his salary back into the top five for NFL safeties, ensuring he wouldn’t reach free agency in the offseason. Now with his future solidified, Baker is focused on helping lead the Cardinals back to success.
Belief in Kyler Murray
A key part of Baker’s optimism lies in his confidence in quarterback Kyler Murray. Baker spoke glowingly about his teammate, who has also expressed hope for the team’s direction, calling Arizona “on the up and up.”
Murray, drafted in 2019, is one of the longest-tenured Cardinals alongside Baker. While his career has been marked by highs and lows, including a torn ACL in 2022, Baker sees greatness in his quarterback that’s gone largely unrecognized. “We haven’t had a lot of national games, and people kind of see him as a ‘shirt’ guy, but this guy can make all the throws inside the pocket, outside the pocket, and he’s quick,” Baker said.
“You see it on tape, he’s outrunning everybody all the time. It’s definitely exciting, but it’s cool to just lay under the weeds and have him be that underrated guy, just kind of show who he is this year and throughout the whole season.”
