Budda Baker, the cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals' defense, is entering his ninth season after being drafted in the second round of the 2017 draft. Following a season where he started all 17 games, Baker was voted co-MVP alongside teammate James Conner. Baker tallied a remarkable 164 tackles, leading the team, with impressive stats including 10 tackles for loss, two sacks, and a Pro Bowl selection for the seventh time.

In December 2024, Baker secured a three-year contract extension that will keep him with the Cardinals through 2027, affirming his significant role in the team's future. As the offseason progresses, fans and fantasy players alike are eager to see how Baker's consistent performance and leadership will shape the Cardinals' defensive strategy in the upcoming season.

In a bold statement, Philadelphia Eagles rookie Andrew Mukuba has compared himself to NFL stars Budda Baker and Brian Branch, expressing his confidence as he prepares to transition to professional football. Mukuba's assertion marks a refreshing shift from typical rookie modesty, signaling his ambition to establish himself among the league's elite. This kind of bravado is rare for newcomers, who are generally expected to exercise caution in their public personas.

His comments not only reflect his self-belief but may also indicate a desire to challenge the conventional rookie narrative, which often emphasizes humility. Mukuba's willingness to embrace such expectations could serve him well as he integrates into a team led by established stars, ultimately aiming to make a significant impact in his inaugural NFL season.

Top-tier IDP safeties like Brian Branch, Kyle Hamilton, and Budda Baker are primed for consistent production, making them valuable assets for fantasy managers. Given the unpredictable nature of IDP safety performance, many managers are advised to delay their draft decisions on this position. Instead, targeting lesser-known but well-positioned starters could yield significant returns.

Brian Branch and Kyle Hamilton lead the charge, both showcasing exceptional tackle efficiency and favorable defensive schemes. Budda Baker remains a dominant force despite possible regression in output. Newcomer DeShon Elliott brings promise with his recent contract extension in a tackle-friendly environment, making him a player to watch this season.

Budda Baker has been nominated by Pro Football Network as the Arizona Cardinals' candidate for the NFL Defensive Player of the Year award. The seven-time Pro Bowler is recognized for his impressive versatility, evidenced by a career-high 164 tackles last season. Despite this, he has not recorded an interception since 2022, raising questions about his ability to make game-changing plays. To truly contend for the award, Baker will need to elevate his turnover stats significantly.

Past winners of the DPOY have often been premier pass rushers or cornerbacks, making Baker's path challenging. The last safety to win was Troy Polamalu in 2010, who had an impressive seven interceptions that season. Baker's chances will depend on producing similar standout statistics, as he tries to return to the form that made him one of the league's top defensive backs.

The Arizona Cardinals have made their mark in CBS Sports' Pete Prisco's Top 100 NFL players for 2025, with tight end Trey McBride earning a notable 42nd place. This marks a substantial leap from his previous year's ranking of 83rd, showcasing his exceptional performance last season where he caught 111 passes, finishing fourth in the league. Despite this individual success, other Cardinals stars like safety Budda Baker and running back James Conner were left off the list, sparking discussions about the team's overall recognition.

McBride's breakout season is highlighted by his impressive catch rate and potential for increased touchdown production, signaling a bright future as he enters the conversation for the league's best tight ends. Fantasy managers should take note of his upward trajectory, as his performance could translate into significant points this upcoming season.