By the numbers: Cardinals’ Budda Baker and the work that got him paid
Aug 26, 2020, 2:00 PM
Budda Baker (Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
(Photo by Christian Petersen/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals made waves in the safety department this offseason with the extension of Budda Baker.
Agreeing to terms with the safety for four more years at a reported $59 million locked the 24-year-old in as the highest paid player at his position in the league.
The Cardinals felt they needed to strike while the iron was hot, believing the safety is going to take yet another leap in his NFL trajectory.
Here’s a look at some of the numbers that stick out on Baker’s resume:
104
Let’s start at the category where he does some of his best work. Recording 104 solo tackles in 2019, Baker was tops among NFL defenders in that respect.
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Baker represented the only player to record at least 100 tackles, with Houston Texans linebacker Zach Cunningham landing at the No. 2 spot at 99. Cardinals teammate Jordan Hicks was fifth at 92.
He’s increased his totals year over year, raising his solo tackling by at least 20 since joining the team in 2017.
99%
Impressive in its own right was the ability for Baker to stay healthy in 2019. Starting in every game last season, Baker registered was on the field for 99% of defensive snaps (1,120). He also saw 14% of the special teams snaps (67).
Baker saw a significant jump in play in Year 2, on the field for 84% of the defensive snaps (938) after seeing just 48% (513) as a rookie.
2
The Cardinals aren’t the only ones to take notice of Baker’s abilities. In three NFL seasons, Baker has already made not one but two Pro Bowls.
Baker was tabbed as an NFC starter last season after making the 2017 Pro Bowl as a rookie for his special teams play.
97
Baker has not only left a mark on the Cardinals organization, he’s also made quite an impression across the league.
This offseason marked the first time the safety was featured as part of the NFL’s Top 100. The rankings are telling as NFL players are the ones who vote on who’s in and who’s out.
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Interestingly enough, while Baker has made the Pro Bowl twice, led the NFL in solo tackles and landed in top 100, the safety is still looking for his first career interception. He has, however, recorded 14 pass deflections through 46 games.
But if the payday is any indication, the Cardinals are betting that changes in 2020.
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