DEAL ACCEPTED: Arizona Cardinals Football strong safety Budda Baker Sign a 4-year Contract With the Tampa Bay buccaneers, worth $509 Million as their new…… ..See more

In a blockbuster move that is sending shockwaves across the NFL, the Tampa Bay Buccaneers have agreed to a four-year contract worth $509 million with free-agent strong safety Budda Baker, making him one of the highest-paid defensive backs in history.

The contract reportedly includes nearly full guarantees, positioning Baker as the centerpiece of Tampa Bay’s defensive strategy. His arrival is expected to transform the Buccaneers’ secondary, providing elite coverage and leadership on the field.

Baker, formerly with the Arizona Cardinals, is widely regarded as one of the league’s top safeties, known for his tackling prowess, versatility, and ability to read offenses. The Buccaneers’ management views him as a game-changer who can anchor the defense and allow more aggressive schemes from the front seven.

While specific contract details remain private, sources indicate that Baker’s average annual value comes out to roughly $127.25 million per year, making him the highest-paid player at his position by a wide margin. Additional incentives reportedly include bonuses for Pro Bowl selections, defensive awards, and postseason team performance, ensuring alignment between Baker and the team’s long-term goals.

Baker’s presence in Tampa Bay is expected to provide flexibility in defensive schemes, with the ability to contribute in multiple roles, from strong safety to nickel coverage. For a team still in win-now mode, this signing signals a major commitment to maintaining a championship-caliber roster on both sides of the ball.

This deal also resets the market for top safeties, with other players and teams now using Baker’s contract as a benchmark. It is expected to influence salary structures and negotiations across the league, placing higher expectations on both Baker and Tampa Bay’s front office for sustained performance and return on investment.

Baker will be formally introduced at a press conference in Tampa later this week, where he is expected to outline his vision for his role in the defense. The Buccaneers will likely adjust their roster and salary cap structure to accommodate this historic deal, setting the stage for what could be one of the most dominant defensive units in recent NFL history.