In the midst of the Arizona Cardinals' surprising 6-4 season that has them currently leading the NFC, the future of one of the team's stars, safety Budda Baker, is uncertain.
Baker will be a free agent after the season and is having a fantastic season.
While a little over a year ago it seemed like he was on his way out of town, There is “a realistic chance” he gets a contract extension before free agency begins in March next year.
The people I've spoken to believe there's a realistic chance Baker and the Cardinals can reach a deal before free agency. For Baker, victory comes first. So if he believes he can win big in Arizona, staying there is a realistic option. The Cardinals have shown encouraging signs in recent weeks. Baker also cares about his business, as he showed with a trade request in April 2023. So the Cardinals would have to pay for a 28-year-old with five consecutive Pro Bowls.
Head coach Jonathan Gannon has raved about Baker numerous times since taking over the team, and he did so again after Sunday's win over the New York Jets, a game in which he totaled nine tackles, a pass breakup and his first sack since 2021 had .
“He’s one of our elite players, man,” he said after the game. “I know everyone sees what he does on Sundays. I see what the guy does Monday through Saturday, and like I said, you can't put a price tag on it. He's just a complete captain. He's a warrior – whatever that means. I’m so glad we have him.”
However, the problem is them must Set a price. How much is this worth at this point?
Baker is making $14.2 million this season.
How much more will it cost to re-sign him? How much does he think he is worth? And how much is his position in the squad worth?
These are questions that need to be answered in the coming weeks and months.
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