The Arizona Cardinals, who are coming off a dismal three-win season, have one common trait on their defense. That trait is youth, as most of the starters are still on their rookie contracts, minus a few outliers.
Look at the secondary, and your top three corners are Max Melton, Will Johnson, and Denzel Burke, all of whom are yet to reach their contract years.
Then, when you look at the safety unit, you have your veteran leader, that being Budda Baker, who is now entering year ten in the league. He commands all the respect, as he is a nine-time Pro Bowler with a pair of First Team All-Pro selections under his belt. What he says goes.
Baker, 30, is coming off a 2025 season where he appeared in 16 games, and to say he was all over the field is an understatement. Baker racked up a total of 120 tackles (57 solo, 63 assisted), with four tackles for loss and a half sack to go along with it.
MORE: Cardinals GM has a funny response when asked about Carson Beck starting immediately
MORE: Here's what an ideal contract extension for Jacoby Brissett would (and should) look like for the Cardinals
MORE: ESPN predicts when Cardinals fans can expect to see Carson Beck under center
The guy is a tackling machine, and with so much youth in the secondary, it is vital that he play the role of leader. We have no doubt in our minds that he will, as he has displayed that ability in the past. But in 2026, it will be crucial.
The NFC West is loaded with talent this year, as the San Francisco 49ers, Seattle Seahawks, and Los Angeles Rams all secured twelve-plus win seasons in the year prior. Not to mention that all three of them got better this offseason.
Can Baker lead a young group of DBs to the promised land (that being positive development)?
