Cardinals | Budda Baker ‘happy to be here’ after staying put through trade deadline

Cardinals S Budda Baker said on Friday he is “happy to be here” after remaining with Arizona through Tuesday’s trade deadline despite frequent rumors he could be dealt. “I was uncertain of what was going to happen, but I talked to (GM) Monti (Ossenfort), talked to (coach Mike) LaFleur, I talked to the guys, and realized what was happening,” Baker said. He said defensive tweaks made about a month ago, including getting him into the box more often, have helped the unit improve, and the 30-year-old emphasized he believes he is still playing at a high level. One reason Baker was not moved, reportedly, was the organization’s feeling that he represents the heart and soul of the team.