Cardinals Safety Budda Baker Disrespected in Positional Rankings
There's been shortage of news surrounding Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker this offseason.
Baker (27-years-old) has just two years left on his deal in Arizona with no guaranteed money. Looking to get one last payday before the ripe age of 30 hits, he (reportedly) asked the Cardinals to make him the highest paid safety in the league.
When they didn't do so, he made his trade request public.
The financial figures have yet to be worked out, though Baker did say he would be present "when it mattered" though tit wasn't specified if mandatory minicamp or training camp would be when we first saw Baker.
There's plenty to debate on what should/shouldn't transpire with his situation, though it's tough to argue what Baker brings to the table - he's considered one of the top players at his position.
At least according to most people.
Pro Football Focus recently highlighted the top players at each position, and when it came to the safety position, Baker found himself outside of the top ten.
Cardinals Safety Budda Baker Disrespected in Positional Rankings
Baker - who ranked at No. 11 - finished behind the following players: Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Kevin Byard, Antoine Winfield, Micah Hyde, Justin Simmons, Tyrann Mathieu, Jordan Poyer , Jessie Bates and Jevon Holland.
"It feels strange to think the 27-year-old Baker is already a five-time Pro Bowler and a three-time All-Pro. His name has come up in trade rumors, but regardless of where he plays, he’ll be a stud," said PFF.
"He’s a versatile leader who currently is the only bright spot on Arizona’s defense. He has graded between 64.6 and 75.3 in all six of his seasons. He was excellent down the stretch last season, minus a clunker against San Francisco."
You can say a lot about Baker and where he's currently at in his career, though it's extremely tough to say Baker isn't top five, let alone top ten. Even playing through a separated shoulder, he managed to be one of the few beacons of light for the Cardinals in an otherwise dark season.
