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Budda Baker Wants to Stay in Arizona Ahead of Trade Deadline

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker hopes to remain with the team as the NFL trade deadline approaches, despite regular trade rumors.

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Staying Focused in Arizona

Arizona Cardinals Pro Bowl safety Budda Baker wants to stay with the team as the NFL trade deadline on Nov. 10 approaches. Baker stated on Wednesday that he has not requested a trade from Arizona. He also noted that he has not asked the team not to trade him.

The 30 year old safety mentioned that he has not spoken with general manager Monti Ossenfort about anything regarding his status. Baker said his approach is simply to take things one week at a time and control what he can. He explained that he wants to win and wants to remain a Cardinal, though he recognizes that professional football is ultimately a business.

Used to the Rumors

Trade talk is not new for Baker. He pointed out that his name has been linked to trade rumors for about five or six years now. Despite those ongoing rumors, Baker said he is happy to be a Cardinal and is focusing on getting a win against the Dallas Cowboys this week.

Baker is currently in his 10th season, and he has spent his entire career in Arizona. He earned Pro Bowl honors in eight of his first nine seasons. That run included seven consecutive selections at safety, along with a special teams selection during his rookie year.

Important Part of the Defense

Baker has been a consistent performer for the franchise throughout his career. He has recorded over 100 tackles in six of his first nine seasons and is currently on pace to reach that milestone for a seventh time. Over his career, he has accumulated nine interceptions and 13.5 sacks.

He is currently in the second season of a three year extension that he signed late in the 2024 season. That deal keeps him under contract through the 2027 season, and he is scheduled to earn $16.17 million this season. Baker noted that teams use the deadline to bring in players, but his goal is to keep playing great football.

What it means for the next game

Arizona Cardinals at Dallas Cowboys (NFL, Sun, 01 Nov): Dallas Cowboys win 73%, Arizona Cardinals win 27%; projected score Dallas Cowboys 30, Arizona Cardinals 25. Our safest pick: Cowboys to win.