Chris Baker: Pursue or No?
by John B on Mar 5, 2010 9:56 AM EST
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The Patriots released former Jets tight end Chris Baker after a year in Foxborough. Baker spent the first seven years of his career with the Jets. Contract issues led to Baker's departure from New York. Now he may be willing to take an affordable deal.
His numbers were down in 2009 as a spare part in New England's passing game. Chris had just 14 receptions for 143 yards, well down from his career highs of 41 and 409 in 2007.
I think the Jets should jump all over him. Yes, there was a bit of acrimony in the past, but it apparently wasn't poisonous.
I just spoke with someone close to Baker and he said that although Baker took a few shots at the organization during an ugly contract stalemate, no bridges were set ablaze and Baker wouldn't be adverse to returning to the Jets.
Gang Green had a heck of a time replacing him a year ago. Remember all of the blocking tight ends the team signed and went through in the camp and preseason before signing Ben Hartsock, who is a lesser player. Baker is an excellent blocker and at least keeps a defense honest as a receiving threat, while Hartsock is essentially a third tackle. He blocks but adds nothing to the passing game. In addition, if the Jets let Hartsock walk as an unrestricted free agent after signing Baker, they can sign another free agent to fill another need at a different position.
I vote pursue.
How do you vote?
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As much as I would like Baker back...
No.
I would prefer to find an undrafted free agent rather than Baker.
I do like he learned some offensive Patriot stuff.
But, I’d draft one.
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Hell yes!
I thought letting him go was one of the most pointless moves of last offseason! Now that he’s had a mediocre year with the Pats he should come pretty cheap, PLUS he has some inside info on them. I’ve always thought he was better than advertised and he’d be an excellent 2nd TE who can do whatever’s asked of him.
Get Him!
Send Hartsock packing all he did was cost us two games with stupid holding penalties. Move Keller to the slot and put Baker at tight end he can block in the run game which is not Keller’s strong suit and he can catch the ball on occasion. The Keller move would be contingent upon dratfing or aquiring another receiver for the slot.
Added value!
If the price was right he’d be a solid addition to the Jets. Allow Keller a little more flexibility in what he does best. Unless there’s a hidden injury, Baker is a far better player than Hartsock and brings a lot more to the table.
Why not
He knows your system and does everything that is needed from a TE now adays. The price should be right and hes not a big name so he would slip right under the rader and help Mark develop but more inportantly help keep him up right.
Remember no matter where you go in life...there you are!
by McCards010 on Mar 5, 2010 11:06 AM EST reply actions
No.
Just blindly sticking with my theme of no old Jets. Gotta stay consistent.
Even though I disagree with your opposition to bringing back a number of former Jets, I usually at least understand where you’re coming from. This one kind of confuses me. He seems like a perfect fit, no?
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I have no basis for it at all. Not really opposed to him coming back. Just messing around on this one. I do generally want the team to continue with the change in identity though, and would rather not bring back the old guys if all things are equal. But if its a no-brainer upgrade then you can’t say no.
I clicked no but I meant Yes. It all comes down to $$$’s with this deal, but if it is reasonable, I see no reason not to bring him back. His blocking was excellent and like you say he is also a receiving threat. I think that this is a perfect solution, he knows the offence and I would rather have him blocking on the outside than an undrafted free agent who will have to completely learn the offence and there is no guarantee that he will be any good. Give me Chris Baker the Touchdown Maker………
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BAKER THE FIRST DOWN MAKER!
A yo ,I miss Baker bring him back the boy could block ,catch and get’s the yack’s,Baker and killer Keller need to get them back together !
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