Cardinals HC Jonathan Gannon Pleased With Budda Baker's Re-Worked Deal
GLENDALE -- The seats here at State Farm Stadium are currently empty, though fans will begin piling in soon for the Arizona Cardinals' first open practice of training camp.
What's not empty is the bank account of safety Budda Baker - nor his locker here with the rest of his teammates.
That typically wouldn't be a narrative to discuss, though after a long offseason of rumors and speculation that could only make the Kardashian's blush, the Cardinals ensured Baker would be staying with the team after giving him a raise which included a $300k signing bonus and $2.4 million more in incentives.
That storyline can be put to rest - even if some never followed it to begin with.
"What storyline?" said Cardinals coach Jonathan Gannon with a smirk when asked about Baker's new deal. "Yeah, I'm glad that Budda is out here and he's gonna help us win games."
Baker, 27-years-old, approached the Cardinals early in the offseason to either be traded or be made one of the highest-paid safeties in the game. The recent compromise between Arizona and Baker's camp ensured the All-Pro was paid without being overcompensated.
Gannon believes the price tag is worth it.
"He's just a unique player. He's got a unique skill set. He does some really good things but there's a couple guys - I don't compare people but there's a couple of guys that have been the cream of the crop that he does remind me of," said Gannon.
"It's a joy to see any of our guys - when you turn on the tape - play with effort and enthusiasm, make plays and have fun and talk a little noise to the other side. It's good to see that."
If Gannon could have 53 clones of Baker running around, he certainly would.
"It's not just Budda now, we have to all play like that if we're going to have a chance to win, so that's what we're trying to get done right now," said Gannon.
It's still very much a wait-and-see when it comes to how much winning the Cardinals will accomplish in 2023, though it's clear the Cardinals are happy to have one of the best in the business remain on their side.
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