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NFL News: Budda Baker, Cardinals Reach 3-Year Contract Extension Worth Reported $54M

Paul KasabianFeatured Columnist IIDecember 18, 2024

MINNEAPOLIS, MN - DECEMBER 01: Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) looks on before the NFL game between the Arizona Cardinals and the Minnesota Vikings on December 1st, 2024, at U.S. Bank Stadium in Minneapolis, MN. (Photo by Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images)
Bailey Hillesheim/Icon Sportswire via Getty Images

The Arizona Cardinals and safety Budda Baker have agreed on a three-year, $54 million contract extension, per ESPN's Adam Schefter.

Adam Schefter @AdamSchefter

Cardinals All-Pro S Budda Baker has reached agreement on a three-year, $54 million contract extension, including $30M guaranteed. The $18M APY deal is the largest third contract for a safety in NFL history. The contract was negotiated by David Mulugheta of Athletes First. <a href="https://t.co/7oSB992M4V">pic.twitter.com/7oSB992M4V</a>

Baker, an eight-year veteran, has made six Pro Bowls and two All-Pro first teams. He's been fantastic in Arizona this year, amassing 142 tackles (88 solo) in 14 starts.

Baker, who turns 29 years old on Jan. 10, has been the heart and soul of the Cardinals' defense ever since Arizona selected him with the 36th overall pick in the 2017 NFL draft out of Washington.

He was playing 2024 on a revised two-year contract worth $28.2 million ($13.4 million guaranteed) set to expire after this season, per Over the Cap.

Now Baker is under contract through 2027, and the contract is getting good reviews.

Jody Oehler @radiojody

We can split hairs about paying a safety with a lot of wear and tear on his body near the end of his athletic prime but its Budda Baker. This is a really good thing for the org even if the contract doesn't age well. <a href="https://t.co/uMGN9ywcnQ">https://t.co/uMGN9ywcnQ</a>

Ben Kennedy @BenKennedy85

Budda baker has to be one of the most under appreciated players in the league

Nick Korte @nickkorte

Intriguing to see this extension after the massive downward correction the market had at safety this season.<br><br>Very happy to see Budda Baker secure another bag in the face of that trend. <a href="https://t.co/rKM6K2bm7Q">https://t.co/rKM6K2bm7Q</a>

Bo Brack @BoBrack

The Arizona Cardinals now extended the heart &amp; soul on both sides of the football with James Conner and Budda Baker. The Cards aren't in the business of letting talented leave the organization.

José M. Romero @RomeroJoseM

Three-year extension for Budda Baker. Rewarded for loyalty, all the Pro Bowls and doing his job at a high level every year, aside from being a tough guy who has played hurt. He is to the Cardinals defense what James Conner is to the offense.

Richie Bradshaw @RichieBradz36

And just like that Budda Baker will be an all-timer (if he wasn't already).<br><br>Make room for him in the ring of honor! <a href="https://t.co/ZGYR8AJRYJ">https://t.co/ZGYR8AJRYJ</a>

Alex D'Agostino @AlexDagAZ

Budda Baker currently ranks 2nd in the NFL in total tackles, with 142.<br><br>As a safety. <br><br>Cardinals keeping their defensive anchor around. <a href="https://t.co/Agn3L1XfQc">https://t.co/Agn3L1XfQc</a>

It's a great long-term move for Arizona. In the interim, Baker and the 7-7 Cardinals are trying to chase down the 8-6 Seattle Seahawks and 8-6 Los Angeles Rams for the NFC West title with three weeks left.