Arizona — Speculation surrounding the future of Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has been a topic of discussion ever since he publicly requested a trade during the 2023 offseason. At the time, the Cardinals were undergoing significant changes with a new head coach (Jonathan Gannon) and general manager (Monti Ossenfort) in place, alongside a roster overhaul. Baker, who had two years remaining on his contract with no guaranteed money, seemed to be at a crossroads.
Whether the trade request was genuine or a tactic to renegotiate his deal remains unclear, but if it was a move to secure a new contract, it worked. Baker signed a restructured deal at the start of training camp, though he is still set to become a free agent after the 2024 season.
Since Baker’s trade request, the Cardinals have turned things around, winning their last four games and sitting atop the NFC West as they head into their bye week. Baker, who is focused on competing for a championship, is now in a position where the team’s trajectory aligns with his goals.
ESPN’s Jeremy Fowler reports that there’s a real possibility Baker and the Cardinals could agree on a new deal before he hits free agency. “Baker prioritizes winning, so if he believes the Cardinals can contend, staying in Arizona is a viable option,” Fowler wrote. “The team has shown encouraging signs recently, and Baker, who has made five consecutive Pro Bowls, is also focused on his business interests. The Cardinals would need to pay up for a 28-year-old player of his caliber.”
Arizona is projected to have $98 million in cap space next offseason, the second-highest total in the NFL, giving them plenty of room to retain Baker if they choose to do so.
The key issue will be determining what kind of compensation Baker, who turns 29 in January, will demand, and how much the Cardinals are willing to offer. Baker is integral to the team’s culture, and the organization has made it clear how valuable he is. Head coach Jonathan Gannon spoke highly of him after Sunday’s win over the New York Jets: “He’s one of our elite players. I know everyone sees what he does on Sundays, but I see what he does Monday through Saturday. He’s a complete captain and a warrior.”
Despite being a hot name during the trade deadline, the Cardinals firmly denied any rumors about trading their star safety. Baker himself addressed contract talks earlier in the offseason, acknowledging the business side of the NFL while expressing his desire to stay with the team. “Of course I want to be a Cardinal, but I understand it’s a business,” Baker said in June. “The key is helping the team right now, and we know that every year brings change.”
As November rolls on, both the Cardinals and Baker are performing well. While some suggested trading Baker to avoid losing him for nothing in free agency, it now seems likely the team won’t let one of their top players hit the open market.
