We are still months away from the start of the NFL season, but that means making predictions, lists and rankings. Pro Football Network put together a list of one player from each team who could be the NFL Defensive Player of the Year.
Who is the guy for the Arizona Cardinals?
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That would be safety Budda Baker.
A safety hasn’t won DPOY since Troy Polamalu in 2010. But with Budda Baker being a seven-time Pro Bowler and a four-time All-Pro, he belongs somewhere in the conversation.
Baker is coming off a career-high 164 tackles for the Arizona Cardinals last season. His versatility in coverage and as a tackler makes him one of the most well-rounded defensive backs in the league. Surprisingly, he hasn’t had an interception since 2022. If he is to establish himself as a true DPOY contender, increasing his turnover share will be crucial.
It would take a truly special year for Baker to win DPOY. In recent years, it has been for premier pass rushers or cornerbacks.
Even in Polamalu’s DPOY season, he picked off seven passes. Sacks and interceptions are what sell for the award. Baker has seven interceptions in his career and none since 2022.
So unless Baker were to have a big interception season, it isn’t likely that happens.
Could anyone else come close? Perhaps cornerback Garrett Williams could make some noise in 2025, or maybe Josh Sweat, now with the big contract in hand and an increased role for the Cardinals.
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This article originally appeared on Cards Wire: Budda Baker named Cardinals’ most likely candidate for this big award