Cardinals' Budda Baker lands on NFL top 100 list for 2024

For the fifth straight season, Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker has been named one of the best players in the NFL by his peers. NFL Network began unveiling their yearly list of the Top 100 players in the NFL, as voted on by current players, yesterday and the Cardinals safety has once again made the list, this time coming in at #89

Baker first made the list in 2020, following a 2019 season that saw the veteran safety make more than 100 solo tackles, notch six passes defended, and make his second Pro Bowl team, and the first of what is now five straight selections.

Baker’s highest ranking on the list, #19, came the following season, after a sensational 2020 that saw Baker make his second first-team All-Pro appearance, and first since his rookie season of 2017. This year’s ranking of 89 is a slight dip from last year’s ranking of 73rd. That dip can most likely be attributed to Baker missing five games last season. Even with the missed action, Baker was able to put up 87 tackles and five TFLs on his way to another Pro Bowl.

Baker should come into the season with plenty of motivation to make his sixth-straight list and improve upon this year’s ranking. He’s entering the final year of his contract and will be looking for one more long-term deal before he reaches the age of 30. Baker has proven to be the leader of the Cardinals defense over the years, and should have another strong showing in 2024.

NFL Network is unveiling the rest of the list throughout the week, so stay tuned to see if any other Arizona Cardinals make the list.