Budda Baker Says Watch Out for Cardinals

The Arizona Cardinals look to shock many people in 2024.

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) practices during the team's training camp session at State Farm Stadium in Glendale on July 24, 2024. | Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK

ARIZONA -- Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker isn't in the business of predictions, though he did offer this to NFL Media's Omar Ruiz in a one-on-one interview:

"For me personally I haven't really watched much of the social media stuff, so for me it's seeing the guys we have in the building and seeing what we can do from there," said Baker.

"This is my first year being very excited for both sides - offense and defense. ... I'm definitely excited. I'm not going to make many predictions or anything like that. I just know that come Week 1, watch what the Arizona Cardinals can do.

"The expectation is to win. Most importantly, this year, is to win."

Went 1-on-1 with Budda Baker at #AZCardinals training camp & got his thoughts on improving their defense, expectations for ‘24 season & more👇🏽 pic.twitter.com/4INzFGDyb4

— Omar Ruiz (@OmarDRuiz) July 28, 2024

Interesting words from Baker, who is also going into the final year of his contract with the Cardinals.

Baker remained neutral when asked on potential contract negotiations - so too did general manager Monti Ossenfort when speaking with reporters.

After a 4-13 finish to the 2023 season, Arizona added Marvin Harrison Jr. on top of other key signings to hopefully push the Cardinals to progress in year two of their new coaching staff and front office.

“Budda’s attitude has been fantastic ever since we got here,” Ossenfort said of Baker on Arizona Sports.

“The way that he leads, the way that he prepares, the way he goes about his business and works, it really showed in the first night of our first meeting when he addressed the entire team and put his sentiments out there. It was just great. It was a great message for the team, great message for everybody in the room."

Arizona takes on the Buffalo Bills in Week 1.