The NFL Pro Bowl rosters have been selected, with some changes likely pending. However, there was a notable snub among the NFC’s defensive backs, Antoine Winfield Jr , the star who has led the Tampa Bay Buccaneers defense this season.
In Winfield’s place was Budda Baker, someone whose stats really don’t measure up at all. That led to frustration from the Winfield family, his father in particular.
Antoine Winfield Sr. replied to a post about the Pro Bowl, demanding a recount. He also called out the decision to place Baker in ahead of his son in particular.
“Somebody has some explaining to do!!! Ain’t NO WAY in HELL Budda Baker goes to the Pro Bowl ahead of My lil man with NO STATS,” Winfield Sr. wrote. “I know the importance of ProBowls are on the resume & it just so happens to be his contract year. We ain’t going for the Bulls---. Somebody Need to Holla at me.”
Perhaps the most interesting part of what Winfield Sr. wrote is the bit about the contract. In that respect, Pro Bowls do matter. Often incentive-based contracts have money attached to making a Pro Bowl, while that line of a resume also helps in future negotiations. This is, as his father mentioned, a contract year for Winfield Jr.
Defensive back isn’t a position that’s entirely built on stats. A great lockdown corner will never have the ball thrown their way because the man they’re covering is never open. At the same time, looking at the gap in the stats between Winfield and Baker is stark. Winfield has three interceptions, five forced fumbles, four fumble recoveries, and five sacks. Baker hasn’t recorded any of those stats this season at all.
It’s also not like Budda Baker playing on a good team could overshadow another player. He’s on Arizona, a team headed for a high draft pick next season.
Pro Bowl selections are determined by a consensus from fans, players, and coaches. So, it seems, somewhere along the way Baker ended up getting a ton of credit.
Antoine Winfield Jr. was a second round selection by the Tampa Bay Buccaneers in the 2020 NFL Draft out of Minnesota. During his time with Tampa Bay, he’s won a Super Bowl and made the Pro Bowl in 2021. His next contract will be his first coming off his rookie deal.
For his part, Budda Baker is in his seventh NFL season, all of which have been with Arizona. He is a six-time Pro Bowl selection.
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