GLENDALE — Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker added another milestone to his career Sunday, becoming the second active defensive player to reach 900 career tackles and creating conversations about his Hall of Fame potential.
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Jan 5, 2025; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) against the San Francisco 49ers at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
The 29-year-old reached the milestone on Sunday, Sept. 14, against the Carolina Panthers, recording eight tackles — including four solo — in a 27-22 victory. Baker joins Minnesota Vikings safety Harrison Smith as the only two active players to reach 900 tackles, showcasing the Cardinals safety’s consistency and impact on defense.
Baker has been one of Arizona’s top performers since joining the team.
The Cardinals selected Baker in the 2017 NFL Draft, with Baker playing for the team ever since. During his time in Arizona, Baker has been selected to seven Pro Bowls and named a four-time All-Pro. He was recently ranked No. 34 on the NFL’s Top 100 Players list for 2025. In 2024, Baker became the fastest player to reach 100 tackles through the first 10 weeks of a season since 1991.
Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) is introduced before their game against the Detroit Lions at State Farm Stadium in Glendale, Ariz., on Sep 22, 2024. © Joe Rondone/The Republic / USA TODAY NETWORK via Imagn Images
Yet despite his success, Baker’s name is still rarely mentioned in early Hall of Fame conversations — the football media may want to reconsider.
While the Cardinals have searched for an identity over the past several seasons, especially after losing key players like Larry Fitzgerald, Baker has remained a constant over the last eight years. He’s known to be a leader, setting the tone on defense and being aggressive.
With another accolade under his belt, Baker has made a case in his time in the desert to receive Hall of Fame recognition. Baker still has more seasons to add more to his career, but 900 tackles warrant recognition.
Dec 15, 2024; Glendale, Arizona, USA; Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker (3) celebrates a turnover with teammates against the New England Patriots at State Farm Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
This is a moment for Cardinals fans to rally around one of their top active players and a reminder that 900 tackles is more than just a statistic. It’s another stepping stone toward a Hall of Fame induction.
Budda Baker leads all safeties with a 7.9% run stuff rate, per @NextGenStats. #BirdGang pic.twitter.com/s33ZDjVBqt
— Dan Loya (@DLoya_NFL) September 19, 2025
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Wendy Lopez is a reporter for Burn City Sports. You can follow her on her X account, @wlopezde
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