Skip to main content

Regardless of his contract status with the Arizona Cardinals, it's hard to deny that Budda Baker is one of the best in the game. 

The All-Pro leader of Arizona's defense wasn't found on Pete Prisco's recent NFL Top 100 list of players, but CBS Sports colleague Garrett Podell made up for that error in a recent top ten rankings of the safety position, where Baker landed at No. 4:

"Budda Baker is as good as gets among strong safeties in the NFL. He totaled the fourth-highest run-stop rate (6.1%) and ranked third in tackles at or behind the line of scrimmage (eight) among safeties in 2022. The five-time Pro Bowler and two-time First-Team All-Pro plays like he's on fire at all times, sprinting from sideline to sideline to snuff plays out before they can even get started. Baker may have an opportunity to shine even brighter in 2023, should the tanking Arizona Cardinals opt to grant his trade demands."

Baker finished behind a top three of Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick and Justin Simmons. Talanoa Hufanga rounded out the top five behind Baker. 

As for Baker's potential release, it doesn't feel like the Cardinals are looking to part ways with him.

"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," Cardinals GM Monti Ossenfort said two weeks ago.

Baker has two years left on his contract with no guaranteed money. 

Arizona Cardinals Top Stories

Budda Baker's Contract Still Top Storyline

Kyler Murray Dubbed 'Overpaid'

Cardinals Named Least Desirable Trade Destination

Marquise Brown Could Explode on Fantasy Football Scene

One Final Move Arizona Should Make