Arizona Cardinals safety Budda Baker is ranked No. 75 in the 2026 NFL Top 100 players list [1].
The ranking serves as a peer-driven barometer of a player's standing in the league. Because the list is compiled by NFL players, a shift in position often reflects how opponents and teammates perceive a player's current impact on the field.
Baker has now appeared on the Top 100 list for seven straight seasons [2]. Despite this consistency, his current placement marks a notable decline from the previous year. In the 2025 rankings, Baker was positioned at No. 34 [1]. This drop of 41 spots suggests a perceived decline in his relative performance compared to other players in the league [1].
Baker remains one of the most decorated defenders in the game, having earned eight Pro Bowl selections as of 2026 [1]. His physical style of play has earned him high praise from opponents across the league. Tampa Bay Buccaneers tackle Tristan Wirfs said Baker is "a little missile" [3].
The 2026 rankings were released this month via NFL media channels. The list continues to be a focal point for players to gauge their professional reputation among their peers. While Baker remains in the top 100, the gap between his previous ranking in the 30s and his current spot at 75th is a significant shift in his trajectory [4].
Baker continues to be a cornerstone of the Arizona Cardinals' secondary. His ability to maintain a spot on this list for nearly a decade highlights his longevity in a high-impact position, a feat few safeties achieve.
“Budda Baker is ranked No. 75 in the 2026 NFL Top 100 players list.”
The sharp decline in Budda Baker's ranking from No. 34 to No. 75 indicates a shift in how NFL players view his dominance. While seven consecutive appearances prove his long-term elite status, the drop suggests that the league's peer group now views him as a reliable veteran rather than a top-tier disruptor.
