Just how great will Chris Baker be in 2017?

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Of all the moves being heralded regarding the Tampa Bay Buccaneers off-season, one signing isn’t getting as much coverage as it rightly deserves. Once free agency began, the Buccaneers were very active from the onset. Along with signing WR DeSean Jackson from Washington, the Bucs were also able to sign Ex-Washington DT Chris ‘Swaggy’ Baker. Baker signed a 3-year deal with the Buccaneers this offseason as an unrestricted free agent. What he brings to the team shouldn’t be overlooked. Pro Bowl DT Gerald McCoy has been an absolute stud for the Buccaneers, and perhaps the best player on the team, and now with much-needed help alongside him on the defensive line, it could be a scary year for opposing quarterbacks.

 

Baker came into the league in 2009 and signed with Washington in 2011, playing in a 3-4 defense for most of his time with the team. He truly was the big man in the middle, constantly taking on double teams as the best player on the line. Now, in the Tampa 4-3, he is going to play alongside one of the best defensive players in the league, which should free him up to make more plays, or at least take a lot of pressure off McCoy so he can continue to reek havoc on opposing offenses. Offensive linemen and quarterbacks are going to be hard pressed to get rid of the ball quickly because not many teams can stop 2 300+ pound linemen, two players that together will be absolute beasts up the middle, giving opposing quarterbacks and offensive coordinators nightmares for years to come.

 

Although much of the focus has been on the weapons the Buccaneers have given Winston on offense, there are other moves that could pay off just as much as any on the offensive side of the ball. The Chris Baker signing should be one of them. Chin up Bucs fans, this is the last month we have to endure without football until March of 2018.

 

Edited By: Harmeet Kapur

 

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