Bengals sign DT Chris Baker!
Wait, who?
Never heard of this guy….
Hang on, I’ll be right back.
Baker was an undrafted free agent (UDFA) in 2009. He was picked up by the Broncos, and actually ended up making the team. But like most UDFAs, he had zero impact. He only played 1 game for the Broncos and then right before the start of 2010 season, the Broncos released him. A week later, the Dolphins picked him up (on the practice squad) and eventually his hard work payed off.
He was called up on November 26th to be a part of the 53 man roster. He only played in one game, and then in July 2011 (during the off-season); he was released. Things weren’t looking hot for him and his NFL career.
The Redskins is where he’s best known. He was signed right before the season to the practice squad – then on December 6th, was signed to the 53 man roster. A week later, the Football Gods said “F*CK YOU” as he suffered a quad injury without even playing a game. Aw man… rough start.. Baker can’t catch a break.
The 2012 season hits and he’s competing for the backup nose tackle role against Chris Neild. Baker gets lucky (Neild gets unlucky and put on IR). Baker played more this season – but only had 15 tackles in 14 games.
Ugh..
Why did we sign this dude..
Dude can barely make a roster..
Up to this point, yes that’s true – but things start looking up for our boy Swaggy.
The 2013 season hits. He just recently got re-signed, even started for the Redskins in some games. Season started off slow, but he recorded his first career sack week 7 on the greatest quarterback on the planet Jay Cutler. That was his only sack that year, but he recorded 27 tackles. Not bad for a rotation player. He earned himself a 3 year contract worth $12M.
2014. Baker starts 12 games and records 37 tackles and a sack. Not bad, but he earns coach recognition for his late hit on QB Nick Foles. I could try and explain it by detail.. but you should just watch it:
Inexplicable late hit. Foles writhing around in pain. Baker disqualified from the game.
Not to mention he also got trouble for dragging Carson Palmer across the face mask.
2015. He had 6.5 sacks.
In the 2017 off-season, he got a big extension of 3 years worth $15.75 million. However after a disappointing year, he was released.
Now the Bengals have signed him to a 1 year deal worth $3 million.
Baker has had his ups and downs. He’s not an elite guy by any means. But he adds some much needed depth with a defensive group that needs it.
He could even start, or just be a rotation player. In the Bengals coaches can utilize him correctly (LOL), he may thrive. Andrew Billing, Ryan Glasgow, and Baker will compete for the other starting defensive tackle position next to star Geno Atkins.
Time will tell. Welcome, Chris. Whodey.
