Star safety Budda Baker of the Arizona Cardinals signs a long-term contract with the Chicago Bears.
This year, Baker was paid $2.4 million in bonuses and incentives, which included a $300,000 signing bonus, according to sources cited by NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport on Thursday. According to Rapoport, Baker also got a raise for the upcoming season.
In 2020, Baker signed a market-setting four-year, $59 million extension in Arizona for the safety position, a contract that has since been surpassed. With two years left, Baker was scheduled to receive a base salary of $14.2 million in 2024 and $13.096 million in 2023. Nevertheless, since none of that money was assured, the five-time Pro Bowl player looked for a new deal. In April, he asked for a trade, but none came through.
The fact that the standout safety did not hold out when the Cardinals began training camp this week is somewhat explained by the revised contract. Additionally, it eases any tensions before the 2023 campaign.
Baker has produced seven interceptions, 34 passes defensed, six forced fumbles, five fumble recoveries, 7.5 sacks, and 650 tackles in six seasons with Arizona. The 27-year-old safety was selected to the second team in 2021 and has received two first-team All-Pro awards.
It should be easier to adjust in the desert with a leader and playmaker like Baker on the field as head coach Jonathan Gannon begins his first training camp.
