Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is a Pro Bowler for the second time in his career. This year, it is his first as a safety. he was an impact special teams player as a rookie in 2017 and was recognized as such.
In his third season, he put up big volume numbers, piling up 147 tackles and leading the NFL in solo stops.
He did it playing in his third defensive system in as many years. He played more in the box as a rookie late in the season after Tyvon Branch got injured under defensive coordinator James Bettcher. In 2018 in Steve Wilks’ system with DC Al Holcomb, he played in the slot and in the box, sometimes as a linebacker. In 2019, it was under Vance Joseph, playing his more natural position.
In 2020, he expects to be even better than he was this year, especially since it will be the same system and likely the same role.
“I’ve always had to work in a different scheme, always worked at a different position,” Baker said, according to Darren Urban for the official team site. “I’m just excited to be in the same defense consecutively, because I’ve never had that. Personally, I think my stats will be a lot better. Keeping the same defense, it can only get better.”
He still does not have an interception in his career. He broke up six passes and had seven tackles for loss. Ideally, his total tackle numbers will decrease, as better play from the Cardinals’ defensive front would result in more tackles by the linemen and linebackers. However, to take the next step, he needs more impact plays — pass breakups, interceptions, forced fumbles and tackles behind the line of scrimmage.
Baker’s defensive coordinator loves how he plays and believes the team would be unstoppable with more players on the team playing like him.
Baker enters the final year of his contract. Another big year will land him a big payday.
Listen to the latest from Cards Wire’s Jess Root on his podcast, Rise Up, See Red. Subscribe on Apple podcasts or Stitcher Radio.
Ep. 256
Ep. 255
