Jets extend deal with TE Baker http://blogs.nfl.com/2008/09/10/jets-extend-deal-with-te-baker/ Posted: Adam Schefter A standoff between the New York Jets and disgruntled tight end Chris Baker ended without fanfare and attention over the weekend when the two sides connected on a new deal. Baker’s deal, which had two years remaining on it, was extended three years through the 2012 season. The new deal will pay him $12.2 million over those three new years, including $9 million of guaranteed money if Baker plays in 50 percent of the Jets plays this season and is on the roster the fifth day of the league year. But if the Jets opt against paying the guaranteed money, then Baker would become a free agent in March. If Baker fails to play in 50 percent of the Jets’ plays, he still will get the three-year, $12.2 million extension –- just without any guaranteed money. All together, Baker now has five years remaining on a contract that is worth $15 million. The reason the deal has been kept so quiet is that Baker’s salary-cap number for this season did not change nor was there any guaranteed money paid to him this year. Thus, it was difficult to detect the deal through the updated contracts filed with the NFL Players Association’s. Plus, the deal was finalized Friday, two days before the Jets opened the season with a victory in Miami. Each side could claim victory. Baker got the new deal that he said was promised to him. The Jets got their tight end in a peaceful and happy frame of mind.
Now we know why he went back to camp.. They probably promised in writing to re-do it when the season went underway.
Nice, good... I think he's a solid TE. Good blocker, good hands... not sure about his route running though... that's probably the weakest part of his game.
There is a lesson for all the kids out there. Jump up and down, cry alot, hold your breath and... you get what you want. I hope it works out for all involved.
I think it's more like... Jump up and down Cry a lot Realize you're acting like a jackass Man-up and show up to camp Practice well and play well Get what you want
I agree...............I think he must have realized that he was coming off as an ass and changed his strategy. Glad to have him - he IS a productive player!
I dont agree show up and play well byz ? He only played one game, and he wasnt even that great.. He got this for crying and moaning make no mistake.
So he'll play less than 50% this year and will NOT be guaranteed any money. He'll play out next year for the $1 million left on the original restructure and then we'll cut him four days into the season two years from now.
I think you should re-watch that game they played on Sunday. Baker made a couple of key catches and a number of clutch blocks, and is being paid as such. He's not being paid as a top TE, he's got a contract full of incentives and some job security. I don't like the way Baker handled his situation this offseason, but I love the way he plays.
If anything the Baker example will help the FO in the long run. If you shut up and work as hard as hell, and then ask for a new deal, you will be rewarded. You can't bitch and moan and expect anything.
The way I read it, he can play in 100% of the plays this year and still not get anything guarenteed. "But if the Jets opt against paying the guaranteed money, then Baker would become a free agent in March". That is, the Jets can decide at the end of the season if they want to pay the guarenteed money. Of course this is a blog and not a legal document so it could be phrased incorrectly. But if it is, then the Jets could dump him after the season without financial loss. Sounds like a good deal for the FO.
And just forget his years of excellent service huh tight? Yet more hate for a Jets players. It's becoming the norm around here. The JETS promised him something and gave him nothing so he spoke up and that's all you guys want to remember. and btw, byz is correct. You should rewatch last weeks game and see how well he played, and while your at it, watch the past 5 years and how well he played.
I'm glad the Jets and Baker are on good terms now. I really didnt wanna lose him. He is a solid player.
Agreed...now if he could just get open to utilize those skills... They doubled his salary for his twilight years. Over 4 mil per year for 3 years is damn good. When you consider we're only paying cotch 3.8 mil/year, either CB robbed the Jets or the Jets robbed J-Co. Something's fishy about those numbers.
