While the rest of the football world awaits some resolution on Washington's front office situation, the team continues to watch free agents walk out the door.
Defensive tackle Chris Baker, No. 27 on Around The NFL's top free agents list is joining the Tampa Bay Buccaneers, according to Good Morning Football's Peter Schrager. The Buccaneers later confirmed the two sides agreed to a multi-year deal.
The 29-year-old Baker had 4.5 sacks last year for Washington and six the year before as their most disruptive interior presence. Baker played 782 snaps last year and will be a dynamic addition to Tampa Bay's budding defensive line.
This has quietly been an excellent offseason for the Buccaneers' defense. After retaining coordinator Mike Smith, who had head coaching looks, the team pivots toward a dominant presence against the run and pass. Baker has played in at least 14 games each year since the 2012 season.
Baker joins Gerald McCoy and key free agent acquisition Robert Ayers which, on paper, looks like one of the more formidable fronts in the division right now. Having just finished a three-year deal worth $9 million, Baker seems like he's in line for a raise. It will be a worthwhile investment for Tampa Bay, a team that has already been shopping in Washington and plans to sign receiver DeSean Jackson at 4 p.m. ET today when free agent deals can become official.
