After the third or fourth time Budda Baker mentioned winning games during his press session on Friday after practice, the Pro Bowl safety – the one who has acknowledged he wishes teams would be willing to challenge him more in games and who is headed into the final year of his contract – was asked if wins were ultimately what makes him happy on the football field.
Baker broke into a wide smile, the answer obvious.
"I'm a sore loser," Baker said.
For all the conversation about Baker's future, the Cardinals' defensive heart and soul certainly sounds and looks like he's ready to carry that mantle again. The team's young defense needs the veteran to play a heavy role. He's preparing for that, while flashing that Budda grin often.
Ask him about his contract, and he says he is controlling what he can control. His play and his team's is his "sole focus." Baker said his concentration has been so myopic on training camp that he isn't aware of the various players around the league holding out/in because of contract situations.
It is noteworthy though that the two emotional leaders from each side of the ball – Baker and running back James Conner – are going into their contract years yet have not let the situation impact 2024 prep in the least.
Baker got up at the team’s initial meeting earlier this week, delivering a message of positivity, how the new team meshed well in the offseason, and how while players might have regrets later in the season, "we're starting fresh, and don't take it for granted," Baker recounted.
When you have a player as good as Baker – and who is willing to make sure his personal situation isn't impacting on the field – make those points, it resonates.
"Budda is a guy who has done it right year after year after year," Conner said. "When he talks, guys listen. He's been a captain every year for a reason, and he's our tone setter for sure."
"I was just expressing what was in my mind, what was in my heart," Baker said.
That's not what Baker was once upon a time, a kid who despite being a great player would get anxiety in high school when asked by his coaches to address the team. Now, though, Baker is a veteran, only 28 but heavily experienced on a roster that doesn't have a ton.
He's having fun too. After a season in which Baker did not have an interception or pass breakup, he broke up a Kyler Murray pass early in practice Friday both enjoying the moment and lamenting he didn't make the interception.
"It's the players' team," Baker said. "If you see one guy slacking, get on that guy, and understand we are all brothers but we are trying to get better.
"I love seeing guys grow, I love seeing guys getting better."
Coach Jonathan Gannon said earlier in the week he didn't want to consider the hypothetical of Baker not being a Cardinal beyond this season. If Baker has thought about it, he's not giving any hints.
He's too busy thinking about what can happen right now.
"It's time to win," Baker said.
