​For the seventh consecutive year, former Washington Huskies standout Budda Baker has earned a spot on the NFL Top 100 list. As he heads into the 2026 season, his tenth in the league, the eight-time Pro Bowler and four-time All-Pro—including two First Team honors—continues to show his enduring value. Baker has spent his entire NFL career with the Arizona Cardinals, and his peers voted him the No. 75 player in the league, underscoring the respect he commands around the league.
Across his career, Baker has piled up impressive numbers: 1,021 tackles, 51 tackles for loss, 10 sacks, 44 pass breakups, 8 interceptions, 7 forced fumbles, and 6 fumble recoveries. He has earned a reputation as a versatile, relentless safety who brings a remarkable work ethic and a level of consistency that Cardinals fans have come to rely on. His motor is widely regarded as exceptional; Seattle Seahawks wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba, the 2025 Offensive Player of the Year, told NFL Films that he has seen it in the craft of the greats, comparing Baker’s drive to the legendary intensity of players like Troy Polamalu.
Throughout his career, Baker has generally been viewed as one of the league’s elite safeties, even though his postseason appearances have been fewer, with only a single playoff run to his name. Nevertheless, his loyalty to the Cardinals has remained firm, and he has become arguably the franchise’s most tangible cornerstone. In December 2024, he signed a three-year, $54 million extension with Arizona, a deal that positioned him among the highest-paid players at his position and reflected the team’s confidence in his continued impact.
When Baker is on the field, he plays with the sense that he’s larger than the moment and stronger than the challenge. Cardinals tight end Trey McBride noted, “When he’s out there, he plays like he’s the biggest and he plays like he’s the strongest. I just love the way he plays. He’s always around the football, and he’ll do everything he can to ensure the ball ends up in our defense’s control.” McBride’s sentiment echoes a broader appreciation for Baker’s presence—his instincts, his leadership, and his relentless pursuit of every play.
This piece originally appeared on Huskies Wire as part of coverage highlighting the former Washington star’s recognition on the NFL Top 100 for a seventh straight year, aimed at enhancing search visibility and reader context.