NFL Exec Says Budda Baker 'Isn't Going Anywhere'
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker battles every single Sunday for fans at State Farm Stadium, though his latest battle is taking place off the field.
Earlier in the offseason, Baker reportedly asked the Cardinals to either be traded or be made the highest-paid safety in the league. That was well before the 2023 NFL Draft, and neither has happened.
There has been progress made on a new deal, however. Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort said at mandatory minicamp that negotiations were happening between the two sides.
"He's a big part of this team. ... I think we're going to continue to keep our discussions and line of communication open, which Budda's been great. His representation's been great," Ossenfort said.
Baker was in the building for minicamp and is expected to be present at training camp, though he could be pulling the famous "hold-in" strategy of working by himself while still technically being in attendance.
Coaches and teammates have said they've been in constant communication with Baker in regards to scheming, play design, etc., though there's still some outside noise that Baker could potentially be dealt.
One NFL executive says Baker isn't going to be moved.
Baker recently was ranked as the No. 4 safety in a poll ran by ESPN that weighted the opinions of NFL coaches, scouts and executives.
One exec doesn't believe the Cardinals will move Baker:
"That guy won't be going anywhere," one NFL executive -- whose team would love to have a player such as Baker -- said. "That's the last guy you trade. A true difference-maker."
Another scout praised Baker by saying, "You can do so many things with him, and oh yeah, he's going to hit with the best of him. He's a missile."
Baker - still only 27 - has two years left on his deal with no guaranteed money. He's looking to cash in on one final contract before turning 30.
Is he worth the cost for a rebuilding Cardinals squad? Arizona could possibly turn the ship around sooner than anticipated, and Baker could still be a key part of their defense if/when that day comes.
Keeping Baker around not only keeps the fan base happy, but he'll also be able to help usher in the next generation of Cardinals football by showing the young guns what it takes to become something in this league.
It's tough to imagine Baker wearing another jersey. Arizona knows that, and so apparently do others around the league.
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