Budda Baker receives contract extension from Cardinals

Budda Baker receives contract extension from Cardinals

‘Tis the season for contract extensions. Especially for six-time Pro Bowlers.

The Cardinals and safety Budda Baker agreed to a three-year contract extension through the 2027 season on Tuesday night.

This comes after the Cardinals recently extended the contracts of running back James Conner and starting center Hjalte Froholdt as part of their future planning.

Baker had indicated all along that he hoped to stay in Arizona. Baker, a second-round pick in 2017, received his first contract extension from the Cardinals in 2020, and the team matched the remaining years through the 2023 season.

ESPN reported that Baker is guaranteed $30 million and the value could be as high as $54 million. Baker was scheduled to become a free agent after the season.

Baker, a team captain each of the past five seasons, was named first-team All-Pro as a special teamer in 2017, a safety in 2020, and earned second-team honors in 2021.

This season, Baker is second in the NFL with 142 tackles and needs six to reach a career high. He has been a menace all season for a defense that has played better than expected.

Baker said during training camp that he “of course” wanted to stay in Arizona long-term.

“I was moved here, I know it wasn’t the same coach or the same (GM), but it’s the same owner,” Baker said. “And I got drafted here, was here six years and seven years old, it was great for me. I love Arizona, I love Arizona fans, and I’m going to continue to do my best, and that’s what it’s going to be for me.” So, of course, every year.

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