Peter Schrager of Fox Sports reports that defensive lineman Chris Baker will sign with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers. Baker played in all 16 of Washington’s games last season, notching 3.5 sacks, 49 tackles combined, 29-individual, and two passes defensed. These stats might not be the flashiest at the defensive tackle spot, but according to Pro Football Focus – the lineman played 71% of the snaps at the position (fourth overall on the defense).
Tampa Bay not done plucking from Washington. Barring any snags, Bucs are closing in on a deal to sign DL Chris Baker. @gmfb @NFLonFOX
— Peter Schrager (@PSchrags) March 9, 2017
Ex Skins DL Chris Baker has 3-yr deal with Bucs worth $6M+ per year. Tampa getting strong up front
— Jason La Canfora (@JasonLaCanfora) March 9, 2017
Chris Baker to Sign With Tampa Bay Buccaneers
Former free agent Chris Baker’s 2016 season was solid, but unarguably a step down compared to his six-sack performance that earned him a contract bonus in 2015. A talented defensive backfield with sparkly names (ie: Josh Norman, Su’a Cravens, Bashaud Breeland) took the attention off of the front seven. The Redskins defense didn’t have a lot of big names, but this season, Baker was a core interior piece to a thin defensive line that didn’t have too many other alternatives.
The defensive tackle will be 30 in October, and that’s something teams will definitely look at. But on tape, the 320lb lineman still has a recognizable motor that’s worth noticing. His age shouldn’t be a deterrent; his proven performance over the last couple of years swiftly commanded a significant amount of attention from teams looking to add a piece to their respective defensive lines.
A Windsor, CT native, Chris Baker played high school ball for the Hartford Colonials. He then spent two seasons at Penn State University, playing as a member of the Nittany Lions, before transferring to Hampton University to finish his collegiate career.
Chris Baker went undrafted in the 2009 NFL Draft. After having a couple one year stints with the Denver Broncos and Miami Dolphins, he caught on with the Washington Redskins in 2011. Baker would record his first career sack on Jay Cutler in week seven of the 2013 season. His tough, hard-nosed play style earned him a starting role in 2014 which he’s yet to relinquish.
