Cardinals Star Budda Baker Reveals Actual Cause Behind Staying in Arizona Regardless of Commerce Request
At one level, it regarded like Budda Baker was on his means out of Arizona. The 2-time All-Professional security had reportedly requested a commerce in early 2023, annoyed with the crew’s path and searching for a brand new deal that may make him the highest-paid security within the league.
However quick ahead to 2025, and Baker remains to be sporting a Cardinals uniform. He’s not simply going by the motions both. He’s purchased in.
Budda Baker Explains Why He Stayed With Cardinals Regardless of Frustrations
Showing on “The Mina Kimes Present,” Baker opened up about why he in the end selected to remain in Arizona, even after years of dropping and a entrance workplace overhaul.
“I used to be drafted right here. I do know it was a distinct GM and a distinct teaching workers. However for me, all I’ve been making an attempt to do is attempt to do my job at a excessive stage every day,” Baker stated.
“After all, I’m a sore loser, I hate dropping. And you recognize, my profession with the Cardinals has sort of been extra dropping than profitable. However for me, it’s simply keep 10 toes down. Consider in what you imagine in. I imagine on this teaching workers. I imagine in these gamers that we introduced in, free company, draft, very excited for the long run. Simply don’t wanna inform you an excessive amount of but, however I’m very excited.”
It’s a uncommon second of transparency from one of many league’s most revered defensive leaders. Baker didn’t sugarcoat the frustration, however he additionally made it clear he’s not working away from the problem.
Budda Baker Believes Arizona Cardinals Can Succeed
Baker’s choice to remain wasn’t about consolation or complacency, it was about perception. Perception in a brand new regime, a revamped roster, and a tradition shift that’s slowly taking maintain in Arizona.
The Cardinals have undergone a serious transformation since Baker’s commerce request. With a brand new entrance workplace, a younger core of expertise, and a training workers that’s earned the locker room’s belief, the vibe in Arizona feels totally different.
Baker, now coming into his eighth season within the league, is embracing the position of the crew’s veteran anchor.
Even by the crew’s struggles, Baker has remained one of the constant and productive safeties within the league. In his profession, he has recorded 747 tackles, 38 passes defensed, seven pressured fumbles, seven interceptions, and 6 Professional Bowl picks.
He’s the sort of participant who leads by instance by flying across the area, taking part in by accidents, and setting the tone within the locker room.
Cardinals’ Future Hinges on Veterans Like Baker
Arizona remains to be in the course of a rebuild, however they’re not ranging from scratch. With Kyler Murray wholesome, a promising draft class, and a protection that’s quietly bettering, the Cardinals are hoping to show the nook in 2025.
Baker’s presence is a giant a part of that. He’s not only a holdover from the previous regime, he’s a bridge to what’s subsequent.
If the Cardinals do make a leap this season, don’t be stunned if Baker is true in the course of it, nonetheless 10 toes down, identical to he stated.
