Chris

Baker

Baker just got the call from the practice squad last week, but couldn’t even play against the Patriots. The undersized nose tackle is running out p-squad eligibility.

This Chris Baker spent time with the Broncos and Dolphins after going undrafted out of Hampton, as opposed to the former Jets, Seahawks, and Patriots tight end of the same name. Baker will back up Barry Cofield and Chris Neild in Washington.

It’s a little surprising Baker was tendered at all. The Redskins are now scheduled to pay him $1.323 million after 25-year-old Baker played under 220 defensive snaps last season. They must not be in love with Chris Neild.

The Redskins have been locking up their restricted free agents on Saturday, but Banks and Baker aren’t expected to be tendered. Banks fell out of favor late in the season after not doing much with his opportunities, and Baker registered just 15 tackles in 14 games.

Baker, 25, appeared in 14 games last season as Barry Cofield’s backup. He recorded 15 tackles and a pass deflection. The 6-foot-2, 333-pound defensive lineman also saw time as a backup defensive end, and on special teams.

Per ESPN 980 Washington’s Chris Russell, the deal includes $4 million guaranteed. Baker moved all over the defensive line last season before starting the final three games at left end. Going on 27, Baker played 418 snaps, notching 28 tackles and one sack. He’s expected to open 2014 as a starting end. It’s about as good of a deal as Baker could have hoped for. Pro Football Focus graded him poorly as both a pass rusher and run defender in 2013.

Baker played last season on a one-year, $1.323 million deal. He played a total of 418 snaps and started the final three games at left end after moving along the entire defensive front for much of the season. DC Jim Haslett mentioned Baker as a priority to re-sign, though he won’t command a ton of money.

Baker should start after getting in a full practice Friday. Redskins LB/S Su’a Cravens (hip) is also expected to play this week.

This is in addition to the Broncos and Bucs, who were reported to be interested Monday night. Rotoworld’s No. 5 available defensive lineman, it does not look like Baker will have any shortage of suitors on the open market. Baker has 10.5 sacks over the last two seasons.

The Redskins are reportedly attempting to re-sign him, but their current mess of a front office could make it difficult to get anything done. Baker has been Washington’s best defensive lineman the last couple seasons and would be a great fit in Denver. He is Rotoworld’s No. 5 available defensive lineman.