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Chris Baker is back on the free-agent market once again. Six months after his release from the Tampa Bay Buccaneers following just one season, it's now the Cincinnati Bengals' turn to part ways with the veteran defensive tackle, per Ian Rapoport of NFL Network.
The Bengals just signed Baker to a one-year deal in March which included a $300,000 signing bonus and $150,000 workout bonus. While he gets to keep the $300K for five months of work, the team still saves over $2 million by parting ways with the defensive tackle.
After spending six seasons with the Washington Redskins, Baker signed a three-year, $15.75 million contract with $6 million guaranteed with the Tampa Bay in 2017. However, he disappointed in his lone season with the Bucs as he racked up just 33 tackles and half a sack in 15 games (14 starts).
Baker played in each of the Bengals’ first two preseason games, but he hardly impressed. Pro Football Focus had him as the lowest-graded interior defensive lineman over those two preseason games. Those well below par performances likely factored heavily in the team's decision to finally let him go.
Baker is the latest veteran to be cut by the Bengals this offseason. They have also parted ways with cornerback Adam Jones, wide receiver Brandon LaFell, and most recently, safety George Iloka.
With Baker’s release, the likes of Andrew Billings, Ryan Glasgow, and fifth-round pick Andrew Brown will now get more of a chance to play alongside star defensive tackle Geno Atkins on the interior of the Bengals’ D-line this season.
