The Arizona Cardinals are celebrating standout performances this season as safety Budda Baker and tight end Trey McBride earn Pro Bowl selections. While Baker continues to solidify his legacy as one of the NFL’s top defensive backs, McBride breaks new ground as one of the most prolific tight ends in team history. Here’s a closer look at their impressive accomplishments that landed them in the 2025 Pro Bowl.
Budda Baker: The Consistent Defensive Anchor
Budda Baker’s Pro Bowl selection is a testament to his dominance, consistency, and unmatched leadership on the Cardinals’ defense. This marks his seventh career Pro Bowl appearance and sixth consecutive nod as a safety, making him one of the most decorated players in franchise history.
Baker’s Historic Milestones
- Baker is one of only five players in franchise history with at least seven Pro Bowl selections, joining legends like Larry Fitzgerald and Patrick Peterson.
- He and Hall of Famer Larry Wilson are the only Cardinals safeties named to the Pro Bowl at least six times.
- He leads all NFL defensive backs with 874 tackles and 603 solo tackles since 2017.
A Record-Breaking Season
- Baker’s 155 tackles in 2024 are the most by any Cardinals player in over two decades, including a career-high 18 tackles in Week 14 against Seattle.
- He ranks second in the NFL in total tackles this season and first among defensive backs.
- Baker’s efforts earned him a finalist spot for the 2024 Art Rooney Sportsmanship Award, highlighting his impact on and off the field.
With a new contract extension through 2027, Baker remains the heart of the Cardinals’ defense and a cornerstone for their future.
Trey McBride: A Rising Star at Tight End
Trey McBride’s first Pro Bowl selection cements his emergence as one of the league’s top tight ends. The 24-year-old has not only elevated his game but also rewritten the Cardinals’ record books at the position.
McBride’s Prolific 2024 Season
- McBride set franchise records with 104 receptions and 1,081 receiving yards, breaking his own single-season record for receptions by a Cardinals tight end.
- His 104 catches are the fifth-most in team history for any position and the ninth-most by a tight end in NFL history.
- McBride recorded three 12-catch games this season, becoming the first tight end in NFL history to achieve that feat.
NFL Historical Comparisons
- McBride’s 214 career receptions rank third among tight ends through their first three seasons, trailing only George Kittle and Jimmy Graham.
- He is one of just three tight ends with 120+ receiving yards in three games during a single season, joining Travis Kelce and Tony Gonzalez.
A Bright Future
McBride’s ability to produce at an elite level in just his third year places him among the NFL’s premier offensive weapons. His chemistry with the Cardinals’ quarterbacks and his knack for big plays make him a cornerstone of the team’s offense.
The Cardinals’ Depth: Alternates Making Waves
In addition to Baker and McBride, the Cardinals had three players named as Pro Bowl alternates:
- DeeJay Dallas (special teams)
- Paris Johnson Jr. (offensive line)
- Chad Ryland (kicker)
A Foundation for Success
Budda Baker’s sustained excellence and Trey McBride’s breakout year exemplify the Cardinals’ mix of veteran leadership and emerging talent. With both players at the heart of their respective units, Arizona has key building blocks in place as they look to climb the NFC ranks in future seasons.