Patriots sign TE Chris Baker

[midwestpatsfan]

according to Adam Schefter on nflnetwork.

 

[WhiZa]

This will make a lot of Patriot fans happy

EDIT: http://blogs.nfl.com/2009/02/27/patriots-reach-agreement-with-ex-jet-baker/

After reading up on Baker, he seems like a perfect fit. A good blocking TE with potential in the passing game.

 

[BelichickFan]

Should be a solid #3 guy and blocker - and eliminate the chance of use drafting a young TE high this year.

 

[Deus Irae]

This doesn't surprise me in the least. Now the question is whether or not Mr. Thomas will be moving on this year.

 

[slash83]

So much for the pats laying low start of free agency LOL, didn't see that coming. Get rid of cassel sign pep n bodden n I'm good till the draft.

 

[BritPat]

I think this means we'll see a Defensive draft with maybe a couple of OT's thrown in this year.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

I had this pegged the moment they released him.......good pickup

 

[JSn]

Bye-bye, Wendy's guy...

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Let's not count our chickens before they hatch.

After all, many of us saw Victor Hobson as a great signing, too. . . .

And, BTW, I still want James Casey and/or Connor Barwin at goalline TE next year.

 

[Halifax_Pats_Fan]

I looove this signing, in a position we need beefed up. Great work gang...

 

[Pats726]

Just makes competition at TE a lot stiffer...too many question marks..Watson is fine..but not top notch...Thomas COULD be a good reciever...with Naker they HAVE the blocker and one who CAN catch...a great pickup...what this means is that TE will be a lower priority for them...

 

[tanked_as_usual]

Let's not count our chickens before they hatch.

After all, many of us saw Victor Hobson as a great signing, too. . . .

And, BTW, I still want James Casey and/or Connor Barwin at goalline TE next year.

we did? hobson was a stretch and for depth only

 

[mayoclinic]

Another impressive move. Whatever else, Baker is a good blocking TE (something we have lacked since Graham left) and will give us a TE under contract past 2009, with Watson and Thomas being potential FAs. Good move. It will also allow us to use more 2-TE/2-WR sets and potentially cover up some of the lack of depth at WR.

I guess this makes going after James Casey in the draft less likely, with Watson/Thomas/Baker all under contract. Too bad, I liked Casey as an H-back. If only we could get some productivity out of Thomas.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

baker helps the running game......he's a solid blocker and enough of receiving threat to need to be accounted for

he's a good complement to watson and gives the pats more dependability to go with the 2 TE scheme

 

[Dagg]

Another meh move would like to hear some defensive news not so much 3rd string te and backup rb news but its still early.

 

[Nestapats]

I don't think we use alot of tight ends so two pretty good ones in Baker and Watson will be enough. Thomas will be our third guy who can contribute on special teams and fill in and Listorti will try to win over that third spot from Thomas, maybe practice squad material. Hope we didn't pay much, cause i thought i heard he was looking for dollars when he was with the Jets...

 

[tatepatsfan]

I like this a lot. I wonder how much he signed for.

 

[102 Pat]

It's kind of odd having a Jet come to the Pats, always seemed to be the other way around!

 

[tombonneau]

Not sexy, but they needed a third TE and you're not gonna do much better than Baker at the price. I like it.

 

[italian pat patriot]

Watson, Thomas and Baker

no TE at this year draft ?