Chicago Bears should go after DE Chris Baker
With defensive end Chris Baker about to hit the market, the Chicago Bears should see what he has left in the tank.
Earlier today, the Chicago Bears decided to part ways with linebacker Jerrell Freeman in an expected move.
But just a short while ago, another player hit free agency that the Bears could add to their defense to help shore up another position.
Tampa Bay released defensive end Chris Baker today in a money-saving move. According to ESPN’s Mike Garafolo, Baker was owed $4.48 million this season, $3 million of which would have been guaranteed if he was still with the team on the fifth day of the new league year.
As such, they chose to let the 30-year-old walk.
Bucs are releasing DT Chris Baker, source says. Was due $4.875m in 2018, $3m of which would’ve been fully guaranteed the fifth day of the league year.
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) February 20, 2018
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With him now hitting the open market, the Chicago Bears should absolutely take a look at him as a fill-in opposite Akiem Hicks.
Baker has prototypical size for a 3-4 defensive end and stood out during his final two seasons in Washington, posting 9.5 sacks and forcing five fumbles during the 2015-2016 seasons.
Though he likely won’t come in and make a Hicks-like impact on this defense, he could still contribute meaningfully as a rotation player, especially across from Hicks.
With Mitch Unrein now a free agent, one could see the Chicago Bears trying to upgrade the position now that John Fox isn’t here to keep him around. And though Unrein was solid at times, even getting a very good Pro Football Focus grade, let’s be honest: he didn’t really do much worth remembering.
Next: What Freeman release means for Bears LB corps
With tons of cap space and a need for depth at the position, the Chicago Bears should be giving Chris Baker a call about a short-term deal as soon as possible.
At the least, he can push Jonathan Bullard and Roy Robertson-Harris to claim a defensive end spot. And optimistically, perhaps he can thrive in Chicago the way he did with Washington a few seasons ago.