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Baker’s Contract Extension a Positive Sign for Cardinals’ Future

The Arizona Cardinals made a significant move this week by securing star safety Budda Baker to a three-year contract extension, signaling their confidence in the team’s direction and commitment to retaining core talent. The deal, which guarantees Baker $30 million, highlights the organization’s dedication to stability and leadership, even as the team fights for postseason contention.

Baker’s extension follows similar moves earlier in the season, including two-year deals for running back James Conner and center Hjalte Froholdt. These agreements underscore the Cardinals’ strategy of retaining key players to maintain consistency and build a strong foundation for future success.

Baker’s Legacy in Arizona

Drafted in the second round (36th overall) of the 2017 NFL Draft, Baker has spent his entire eight-season career with the Cardinals. A team captain for five years, the Seattle native has become a fan favorite due to his leadership, versatility, and consistent performance on the field.

This season, Baker has recorded 142 tackles, the second-highest in the league, and is on track to surpass his career-best of 147 tackles set in 2019. His commitment to the team and its vision was evident during his media availability, where he expressed his desire to be a “building block” for the Cardinals’ success.

“At the end of the day, we’re trying to win, and I want to be that factor of helping the Arizona Cardinals win,” Baker said. “That’s what I’ve set my mind to.”

Teammates’ and Coaches’ Praise

Baker’s teammates, including quarterback Kyler Murray, lauded his commitment and leadership.

“Those are two guys that, to me, they do everything right,” Murray said of Baker and Conner. “You don’t have to worry about them outside the building. You can trust them on and off the field. They hold everybody accountable.”

Head coach Jonathan Gannon emphasized the importance of roster continuity, especially in today’s NFL.

“The value of continuity, especially in today’s NFL, it might be undervalued by some people, but not this building,” Gannon said. “It’s important to me that those guys like walking into the building, and they like what’s going on. They feel like they have a chance to win and they like the people they’re surrounded with.”

A Vision for the Future

Baker’s extension also reflects his belief in the team’s current trajectory under defensive coordinator Nick Rallis, whose system allows for creative positioning and maximizes defensive opportunities.

“It’s very exciting to have guys like that,” Baker said, referring to his fellow teammates who have committed to the team. “It’s just special to have a certain core of guys that you know will be coming into work each and every day.”

As a finalist for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which recognizes on-field integrity and respect, Baker exemplifies the qualities the Cardinals seek to build their team around.

“My main goal is getting a Super Bowl here in Arizona,” Baker stated. “That’s what I’ve set my mind to, and I’m going to continue to work hard, and train, and try to lead the players and team to get to that point.”

The Cardinals face a critical game this weekend against the Carolina Panthers, with their postseason hopes on the line. Baker’s extension, coupled with other recent moves, sends a clear message: the organization is focused on building a team capable of long-term success in the desert.