Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker stated on Wednesday that he has not requested a trade and hopes to remain with the team past the upcoming NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10, ESPN reported. Baker, who is currently in his 10th season with the franchise, addressed his name appearing in persistent trade rumors during a media session in Tempe, Arizona.
Budda Baker Addresses Trade Rumors and General Manager Talks Ahead of November Deadline
Baker told ESPN that his name has been attached to trade speculation for “like five, six years now.” The 30-year-old defensive back confirmed he has not talked to Cardinals general manager Monti Ossenfort “about anything” regarding a move.
“My approach is I’m here,” Baker said, according to ESPN. “I’m here. I want to win. I want to be here. And I’m just controlling what I can control, just taking it one week at a time, and hopefully when the deadline ends, I’ll still be here.”
NEWS: Cardinals S Budda Baker told me today he has not asked for a trade but has also not asked not to be traded.He hopes to stay in Arizona after the dust of the trade deadline settles but he said he understands the NFL is a business.My story from today:…
Contract Status and Career Production in Arizona
Baker is currently in the second season of a three-year contract extension signed toward the end of the 2024 season, keeping him under contract through 2027. He is scheduled to earn $16.17 million this season.
Over his career, Baker has earned Pro Bowl honors in eight of his first nine seasons, with the past seven coming at safety and one on special teams as a rookie. He has eclipsed 100 tackles in six of those nine seasons and carries totals of nine career interceptions and 13.5 career sacks into the matchup against the Dallas Cowboys.
Business Realities of the National Football League
Acknowledging the timing of the league's transaction window, Baker noted that player movement is standard as front offices evaluate rosters.
“It’s a deadline for a reason,” Baker said, via ESPN. “Teams are trying to get players, and our team might be trying to get players and getting other players. So, ultimately, it's a business. So, for me, it’s just continue to play great football. I feel like I’m playing great football right now and just control what I can control.”
Frequently Asked Questions About Budda Baker and the Cardinals
When is the NFL trade deadline?
The NFL trade deadline falls on Nov. 10, according to league scheduling.
What is Budda Baker’s contract status with Arizona?
Baker is in the second season of a three-year extension signed near the end of 2024, keeping him under contract through the 2027 season with a salary of $16.17 million for the current year.
How many Pro Bowls has Budda Baker made?
Baker has been selected to the Pro Bowl in eight of his first nine NFL seasons.
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