Grading The Washington Redskins Free Agent Departures So Far
Letting Chris Baker Walk For Three Years, $15.75 Million
This was easily one of the worst moves that the Redskins made this offseason. Chris Baker was far and away their best defensive lineman over the course of the last five years. In 2016, he continued to be a dynamic force at the 3-4 end position, producing 4.5 sacks and playing very well against the run. He is a well rounded player who was expected to get a big raise from the $3 million per year the Redskins had been paying him.
More from Riggo's Rag
- What will Emmanuel Forbes bring to the Washington Commanders?
- Highlighting the best Commanders 2023 NFL Draft betting props
- 3 late Commanders rumors drawing buzz ahead of the 2023 NFL Draft
- 4 bold predictions for the Commanders 2023 NFL Draft
- Commanders News: Chase Young trade, draft day, CB riser and Sam Howell
Baker did end up getting a raise, but it was not nearly as much as anticipated. Baker left the Redskins to sign a deal with the Tampa Bay Buccaneers that pays him $5.25 million per year. I had thought that Baker would receive a contract in the $6-$7 million range, so this deal was a steal.
As if the Redskins not re-signing him was not enough, the signings that the team made to replace him were worse. They elected to pay Terrell McClain, a lesser caliber player who does not project well to a 3-4 defense, the same average annual amount with $1 million more guaranteed. In a similar move, the team also handed Stacy McGee a $25 million deal over five years. McGee is a good run stuffer, but he will not be able to rush the passer nearly as well as Baker.
While the two replacements should improve the overall play of the line, there is no question that the Redskins should have re-signed Baker. He was an integral part of their defense, and letting him go was a big mistake.