Chris Baker‘s representatives met with Redskins brass at the Combine. The veteran defensive lineman expects to receive an offer from the team on Tuesday, Mike Jones of the Washington Post tweets. Jones describes the talks as “encouraging,” but JP Finlay of CSNMidAtlantic.com reports that as many as six teams have expressed interest in Baker.
As free agency’s legal tampering period begins Tuesday, Baker can see what the market will look like for his services. The Redskins are now beginning to ramp up talks with the defensive end, potentially along with other free agents the team prioritizes, as that date nears. This comes after a February Jones report indicated the team and the 29-year-old interior defender weren’t on the same page.
Baker registered 10.5 sacks over the past two seasons and profiles as one of the top interior defenders available in free agency. He ranked 18th among interior defenders (4-3 defensive tackles, 3-4 nose tackles and 3-4 ends) in the opinion of Pro Football Focus last season. Among 3-4 ends, Baker may rank behind only Calais Campbell. Both are set to cash in on contracts that could take them into their mid-30s.
The Redskins have Baker and wideouts DeSean Jackson and Pierre Garcon looming as their top free agents after choosing to apply the franchise tag to Kirk Cousins for a second straight year. They stand to possess just more than $34MM in cap space.
All for it but the Skins better sign Brandon Williams FIRST! Then trade Cousins and get Allen with that #2 pick. Best 3/4 defensive line then.
Baker is the only keeper on the DL! Sign Baker for sure!
trade baker for pick…pick four DL in draft for young, quick rotation.