It's a burgeoning new era in Arizona, but a Cardinals stalwart is staying put for the long haul.
Budda Baker has agreed to a three-year extension through the 2027 season, the team announced Tuesday, that will see him earn $54 million with $30 million guaranteed, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reported.
At $18 million per season, Baker will make roughly $4 million more per season than he is currently, and the yearly average would check him in at fourth among safeties.
The 28-year-old Baker is a six-time Pro Bowler who's still producing at an elite level in his eighth season.
Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Baker worked his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and hasn't looked back.
So far this year, Baker -- who's gone to five consecutive Pro Bowls -- leads the NFL with 88 solo tackles and has produced 142 combined tackles, just five away from his career high. He's added two sacks and three pass breakups while presenting the Cardinals defense with veteran leadership and toughness during a 7-7 season.
In the spring of 2023, Baker's future in the desert seemed rocky, at best. Under the new regime of general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, Baker requested a trade.
It didn't materialize and now Baker is staying put as Gannon and Ossenfort build up the franchise.
Now on the books through 2027, it's not out of the question that Baker's latest contract is his last. Along those lines, it might well ensure that Baker will play the duration of a sensational career with the Cardinals.
