ARIZONA .. All eyes are on the Arizona Cardinals as they navigate the contract status of star safety Budda Baker.
Baker, a face of the franchise for years, is poised to enter free agency after the 2024 season. Last offseason, his contract was restructured to ensure he received guaranteed money, though no additional years were added.
Nearly a year has passed since general manager Monti Ossenfort reworked Baker’s deal, and as the Cardinals approach their July 23 training camp start, uncertainty about Baker’s future remains a critical issue.
Doug Haller from The Athletic identifies Baker’s contract as the team’s top storyline:
“There’s no mistaking the heart and soul of the Cardinals. It’s Baker. He’s been an organizational fixture since he was drafted in 2017, a six-time Pro Bowler. When healthy, he’s still among the best at his position, a force on the field and a respected voice in the locker room,” Haller said. “And he’s only 28. With Baker becoming an unrestricted free agent at the end of 2024, his status in the desert will become a key storyline. Baker, with a base salary of $14.2 million, said during OTAs he wants to be a Cardinal but understands it’s a business.”
James Conner is another notable player in need of a contract extension in Arizona, but Baker’s situation takes precedence in evaluating the team’s present and future.
The Cardinals drafted Dadrion Taylor-Demerson this offseason, though his style as a rangy ballhawk doesn’t perfectly match Baker’s role, making a direct replacement unlikely.
Baker addressed the contract talks this offseason:
“No matter what, no matter who’s there, who’s coaching, I’m gonna do my job and I’m gonna be that person to other guys [so they] can look on as well and ask questions too. Of course, I want to be a Cardinal but at the end of the day I understand it’s a business,” Baker told reporters.
“That’s the main thing, keeping that the main thing—help this football team right now. Every year it changes.”
We’ll see if Baker and the Cardinals can strike a deal ahead of the season.