Budda Baker is demanding respect for himself as one of the leaders of the Arizona Cardinals.
As one of the NFL’s best-kept secrets, Budda Baker has been balling out for the Arizona Cardinals ever since he was drafted in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft. Yet, with Pro Bowls and All-Pro appearances, Baker has been continually passed over by these “gurus” who rank other guys ahead of him.
Remember all the hype about Cincinnatti Bengals safety Jessie Bates getting all this love heading into the 2021 season? Then he proceeded to have one of the worst regular seasons in recent memory?
The national media would love to put anyone else ahead of Baker instead of giving him his flowers (or credit, if you will). Here’s why Baker is the NFL’s best safety:
- Baker’s 393 tackles since 2017 are the most in the NFL, and 30 more than the Buffalo Bills’ Jordan Poyer
- He has lowered his completion percentage when targeted for the most part, whereas Jessie Bates can’t say he’s done that
- Has More sacks than Minkah Fitzpatrick
When it comes to off-the-field topics, at least Baker has never caused a distraction over a contract Like Jamal Adams did last season. Baker has never demanded a trade either when things were tough (Fitzpatrick-Brian Flores thing).
Budda Baker with the “Can’t Buy Respect” shirt to open training camp. pic.twitter.com/at9zRR0sEd
— Darren Urban (@Cardschatter) July 26, 2022
The Arizona Cardinals have the NFL’s best safety in Budda Baker.
There’s a reason that the saying “the film doesn’t lie” has stuck around for so long. Go watch the game film of Baker and then whichever NFL safety you’d want to put ahead of him. Baker can always improve his game, and there’s no doubt that he already knows that.
Baker isn’t a box safety, despite what PFF tries to say (that was Deone Bucannon’s job). But to say that Baker isn’t one of the top overall and elite safeties in the league is downright bad. So all Baker really needs to do to change this play at the same level he’s been doing so, and maybe grab another interception or two.
A deep postseason run would also get Baker into more of a household name, hopefully, one with more respect on it when it comes to this time next year.