Budda Baker: Everything you need to know

Baker accrued 120 tackles, including 0.5 sack, five pass defenses (one interception) and one fumble recovery in 16 regular-season games in 2025. After posting a career-high 164 tackles during the 2024 campaign, Baker was a bit more muted in box scores this season, but he still finished with triple-digit stops for the sixth time in his nine-year career and was one of five defensive backs league wide to reach 120. He also picked off a pass for the first time since 2022. The 30-year-old has two years remaining on his current contract, so he should remain a top-tier IDP option this coming season.

Baker (concussion/thumb) was a full practice participant Thursday and said that he'll play Sunday against the Rams after clearing concussion protocol, Zach Gershman of the Cardinals' official site reports. Baker missed last Sunday's loss to Cincinnati while in concussion protocol, but he said Thursday that he's since passed through the NFL's five-step process and is good to go for Sunday. That should be a big boost to Arizona's defense, which was torched by the combination of Joe Burrow and Joe Flacco for a 121.2 passer rating last weekend. Baker ranks second on the Cardinals with 111 tackles on the campaign (one behind linebacker Akeem Davis-Gaither) and has added five defensed passes, including one interception.

Baker (concussion/thumb) was a limited participant in Wednesday's practice, Theo Mackie of The Arizona Republic reports. Baker was unable to play against the Bengals in Week 17 while in the league's concussion protocol. He's also working through a thumb injury, and his ability to return to practice in a limited capacity indicates that he is progressing in his recovery. Baker would need an independent neurologist to clear him from concussion protocol in order for him to be available for Sunday's regular-season finale against the Rams.