Rise to Success: Career Highlights of Budda Baker

How Budda Baker built a successful career. Explore key moments that defined the journey.

Budda Baker is a prominent American football safety currently playing for the Arizona Cardinals in the NFL. He was drafted by the Cardinals in 2017 after playing college football at the University of Washington. A standout player, Baker has earned recognition as a seven-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro, solidifying his reputation as one of the league's top safeties.

Sections (3)

Full Timeline Career & Achievements Success & Recognition

2014: Freshman Season at Washington

In 2014, as a true freshman at Washington, Budda Baker started all 14 games, recording 80 tackles, one interception, and one sack. He was named a Freshman All-American by USA Today.

2015: Sophomore Season at Washington

In 2015, as a sophomore, Budda Baker started 12 of 13 games and was named All-Pac-12 Conference after recording 49 tackles and two interceptions.

2016: All-American Honors

In 2016, Budda Baker earned consensus all-American honors. He was named a first-team all-American by The Sporting News and the Football Writers Association of America, and a second-team all-American by the American Football Coaches Association and The Associated Press.

January 3, 2017: Declaration for NFL Draft

On January 3, 2017, Budda Baker announced his decision to forgo his senior season and enter the 2017 NFL draft.

May 25, 2017: Signed Rookie Contract

On May 25, 2017, Budda Baker signed a four-year, $6.83 million rookie contract with the Arizona Cardinals, including $3.88 million guaranteed and a $3.10 million signing bonus.

November 19, 2017: First Career Start

On November 19, 2017, Budda Baker made his first career start for the Cardinals after Tyvon Branch's injury. He recorded 13 combined tackles, deflected two passes, and made his first career sack in a loss against the Houston Texans.

2017: Drafted by the Arizona Cardinals

In 2017, Budda Baker was drafted by the Arizona Cardinals of the NFL. He is currently a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro member.

2017: Number Unavailable

In 2017, when Budda Baker joined the Cardinals, the jersey number 32 was unavailable as it was worn by Tyrann Mathieu.

October 14, 2018: First Career Touchdown

On October 14, 2018, Budda Baker recorded 11 combined tackles and returned a fumble recovery for 36 yards to score the first touchdown of his career during a loss to the Minnesota Vikings.

2018: Pro Bowl and All-Pro Honors

In 2017, Budda Baker finished his rookie season with 74 combined tackles and seven pass deflections. He was named to the Pro Bowl and earned first team All-Pro honors, and was named to the PFWA All-Rookie Team.

October 27, 2019: Season-High Tackles

On October 27, 2019, Budda Baker set a season-high with 14 combined tackles during a loss to the New Orleans Saints.

August 25, 2020: Contract Extension

On August 25, 2020, Budda Baker signed a four-year, $59.00 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, making him the highest-paid safety in NFL history at the time.

September 10, 2020: Season Opener and Season-High Tackles

On September 10, 2020, Budda Baker started in the Cardinals' season-opener and set a season-high with 15 combined tackles in a win against the San Francisco 49ers.

October 19, 2020: First Career Interception and NFC Defensive Player of the Week

On October 19, 2020, Budda Baker recorded his first career interception and forced a fumble during a victory against the Dallas Cowboys. He was named the NFC Defensive Player of the Week.

November 7, 2021: Secured Victory Against the 49ers

On November 7, 2021, Budda Baker secured the Cardinals' 31–17 victory at the San Francisco 49ers by intercepting a pass by Jimmy Garoppolo.

December 5, 2021: Career-High Interception

On December 5, 2021, Budda Baker set a career-high with his third interception of the season during a victory against the Chicago Bears.

September 11, 2022: Season-High Tackles in Home Opener

On September 11, 2022, Budda Baker set a season-high with 13 combined tackles in the Arizona Cardinals' home-opener against the Kansas City Chiefs.

December 8, 2024: Career-High Tackles Against Seahawks

On December 8, 2024, Budda Baker recorded a career-high 18 combined tackles (eight solo) during the Cardinals' 18–30 loss against the Seattle Seahawks.

December 17, 2024: Contract Extension with Arizona Cardinals

On December 17, 2024, Budda Baker signed a three-year, $54.00 million contract extension with the Arizona Cardinals, including $29.36 million guaranteed and a $12.24 million signing bonus, ensuring he remains with the team through the 2027 season.