Cardinals star expected to attend camp despite contract dispute – News Block

Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker didn’t get the trade or contract extension he was seeking this offseason, but that won’t stop him from making it to training camp on time Tuesday.

ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported Saturday that Baker expected to report to camp with the rest of his Cardinals teammates on Tuesday despite the ongoing contract dispute.

Baker will earn $13.1 million in base salary this season and is on a contract that has no guaranteed money remaining.

He reportedly wanted a trade early this offseason or a contract that indicated the team valued him. When he signed his current contract, he was the highest-paid safety in the NFL, but he’s seen a number of players pass in recent years.

That list includes Derwin James, Minkah Fitzpatrick, Jamal Adams, Jessie Bates III, Harrison Smith, and Justin Simmons.

His agent said Baker is not looking to claim the highest-paying security title.

A second-round pick of the Cardinals in 2017, Baker has become one of the most impactful defensive backs in the league over the first six years of his career. He has been named to the Pro Bowl five times and has been a first-team All-Pro twice.

The Cardinals are a team in a period of transition with a new front office and coaching staff, while also ousting a significant portion of the roster this offseason.

On paper, the Cardinals might be one of the worst teams in the league, and they have very low expectations. They’ll need players like Baker to have big years if they want to be even remotely competitive in the NFC West.