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👋 GOOD MORNING
Friday, Dec. 20, 2024 — Good morning – I hope this post finds you well at the end of the week. I’ll be honest right out of the gate: The past few days have been incredibly challenging, both personally and professionally. As most (if not all) of you know, some of our incredible PHNX staffers had their positions eliminated as part of changes to the ALLCITY model, and that experience has been absolutely gutting. Having just recently been through something similar following the Coyotes’ relocation to Salt Lake City, it hits home even more.
I am so proud to represent PHNX by way of this newsletter, but seeing so many colleagues, friends, and professionals that I have come to know over the years lose their jobs was devastating. These are some of the hardest-working professionals in the industry, and the finality that hit so suddenly is a sobering reminder of how difficult the world of sports journalism has become to navigate.
While I feel lucky to still have the privilege to deliver this newsletter each weekday, it comes with mixed emotions right now. We have such a special community here in The Valley, and though I know (and understand) many of our loyal readers are also upset, I’d like to personally ask you, and thank you, for your continued support. Those who have come before me have built an amazing community, and I can assure you that myself, and everyone else here at PHNX, will continue to work tirelessly to continue that legacy, connect with Valley sports fans and give you the incredible coverage that you so deserve.
Those who are continuing on here at PHNX are some of the most genuine, talented people you will ever meet, and we are collectively committed (and more motivated than ever) to bringing this sports market the very best.
Thank you for your continued support – it means the world to me, and all of us.
I hope you run it back with me next week. On with the show!
Cardinals Eyeing Present and Future With Recent Extensions
The band is staying together for the foreseeable future.
Safety Budda Baker’s three-year extension earlier this week signified more than just a team captain’s belief in his team — it also highlights the Arizona Cardinals’ commitment to him while showing owner Michael Bidwill and general manager Monti Ossenfort believe in the direction of the team, with or without the playoffs this season.
Baker’s deal comes just a few weeks after running back James Conner signed a two-year extension. Center Hjalte Froholdt, meanwhile, signed a two-year deal of his own in August.
In an age where players continually test free agency waters, the commitment from so many of the team’s critical pieces is refreshing, if not reassuring.
Baker, Conner Show Commitment to Arizona With Deals
Quarterback Kyler Murray isn’t surprised, but he sure is happy.
It’s not hard to understand why.
Baker has played all eight seasons in Arizona after he was selected in the second round (36th overall) in the 2017 NFL Draft. The Seattle-area native has been a team captain for the last five years, and it’s easy to see why he’s a fan favorite: His 142 tackles this season rank second in the league, and he’s just six shy of exceeding his career-best mark of 147, set in 2019.
Conner, meanwhile, is just 27 yards shy of his second consecutive 1,000-yard season, and the 29-year-old has shown no signs of slowing down with age.
“Those are two guys that, to me, they do everything right,” Murray said of his teammates. “You don’t have to worry about them outside the building. You can trust them on and off the field. They hold everybody accountable.
“I couldn’t name two better guys to go to war with.”
For Baker, who has played for four different coaching staffs and two different GMs, the decision to sign an extension was made easier by the dynamic of the team.
“The players that we have on the team are definitely all special,” Baker said. “We just leave our egos at the door and we just come into work.”
Baker’s Extension Sends Message Before Critical Game at Carolina
It may not have been intentional, but Baker sent a message to his teammates and fans by inking this deal before Sunday’s game at Carolina. The Cardinals’ fight for the postseason continues against the 3-11 Panthers, and Arizona will almost assuredly be eliminated from contention with a loss.
That thought didn’t phase Baker, who continually restated his belief in the team’s direction during media availability on Wednesday. In fact, the thought of spending his entire career with the Cardinals was one that made him smile.
“At the end of the day, we’re trying to win, and I want to be that building block or that factor of helping the Arizona Cardinals win,” Baker said. “That’s what I’ve set my mind on to.”
Baker, by the way, was named as one of the eight finalists for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, which is presented annually to the player who “best demonstrates the qualities of on-field sportsmanship, including fair play, respect for the game and opponents, and integrity in competition.”
That’s the caliber of player who wants to stay in The Valley, and anyone who has been connected in any way to the team can see it.
“Budda wanted to be here, and that’s really cool,” coach Jonathan Gannon said. “Obviously you guys know what he means to the team, to the city, to myself, to the coaches. Can’t put a price tag on it.”
Well, technically you can (try $30 million guaranteed), but the point is well taken.
Year-to-Year Roster Continuity ‘Undervalued’ by Some, but May Pay Dividends in AZ
Gannon didn’t mince words when asked about having a core of leaders that’s secured for the relative future.
“The value of continuity, especially in today’s NFL, it might be undervalued by some people, but not this building,” he said. “Everyone’s path is a little bit different when it’s their time to hit the market. It’s important to me that those guys like walking into the building, and they like what’s going on, they feel like they have a chance to win and they like the people that they’re surrounded with.”
The recent extensions highlight that mentality, and Baker’s contract reinforces the belief that there’s a level of mutual respect that can’t be found just anywhere. He said he enjoys playing in defensive coordinator Nick Rallis’s system because the scheme allows him to play in different positions, often confusing the offense and leading to more opportunities on the defensive side of the ball.
That, combined with others who have extended their time in the desert, was enough for Baker to take notice.
“It’s very exciting to have guys like that,” Baker said. “It’s just special to have a certain core of guys that you know will be coming into work each and every day, and you know how they are.
“That’s definitely something special.”
You know what else is special? Baker’s commitment to the process, and his belief in his teammates.
That’s a true leader.
“My main goal is getting a Super Bowl here in Arizona,” Baker said. “That’s what I’ve set my mind to, and I’m going to continue to work hard, and train, and try to lead the players, and team, to get to that point.”
We can’t wait to watch that for the next few years, and hopefully, beyond.
🧢 TIP OF THE HAT BY BRANDED BILLS
The first fair catch free kick conversion in almost 50 years!
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