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>
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.
