Selected in the second round of the 2017 NFL Draft, Baker worked his way into the starting lineup as a rookie and hasn’t looked back.
So far this year, Baker — who’s gone to five consecutive Pro Bowls — leads the NFL with 88 solo tackles and has produced 142 combined tackles, just five away from his career high. He’s added two sacks and three pass breakups while presenting the Cardinals defense with veteran leadership and toughness during a 7-7 season.
In the spring of 2023, Baker’s future in the desert seemed rocky, at best. Under the new regime of general manager Monti Ossenfort and head coach Jonathan Gannon, Baker requested a trade.
It didn’t materialize and now Baker is staying put as Gannon and Ossenfort build up the franchise.
Now on the books through 2027, it’s not out of the question that Baker’s latest contract is his last. Along those lines, it might well ensure that Baker will play the duration of a sensational career with the Cardinals.