Washington Huskies alumni in the NFL – 2020 wrap up: NFC West
Herb Nightengale
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Budda Baker, Washington Huskies.
Arizona Cardinals
The Cardinals organization must love Washington Huskies football players. They had a league-high four on their team this year.
Getting Budda Baker in the second round of the 2017 draft was a steal by the Arizona CardinalsIn four years, he made the Pro Bowl three times. His speed and tackling ability make him one of the top safeties in the league.
Before the season started, Baker signed a four-year, $59M contract extension. That made him the highest-paid safety in the NFL.
Baker led the Arizona Cardinals in tackles on two separate occasions this year. In Game 1, he had 15 against San Francisco. He also had 14 against the Seahawks on Sunday Night Football in Game 7. That was also the game when he made an interception and went 90 yards before getting caught by Seattle receiver D.K. Metcalf from behind for a touchdown-saving tackle.
A special teams standout, linebacker Ezekiel Turner, had another great season. He played in every game and had a dozen tackles.
Arizona signed tight end Darrell Daniels off the Seahawks practice squad in November 2018 and has been with the team ever since. This year was his most productive NFL season with eight catches while starting in eight games as well. Also, Daniels caught his first career touchdown pass in a Week 9 loss to the Miami Dolphins.
Byron Murphy Jr. played in 15 games this year. He had to sit out Week 8 due to COVID-19 protocols. As a rookie in 2019, Murphy started every game for the Cardinals. However, this season he started only seven times. The cornerback made 51 tackles, including his first career sack. Additionally, Murphy recovered two fumbles.
Timing is everything.
1st career sack for Byron Murphy forces Seattle punt in OT. Arizona Cardinals lining up for FG. #SEAvsAZ pic.twitter.com/4MJA0TMqzu
— Duane Rankin (@DuaneRankin) October 26, 2020