Patriots sign TE Chris Baker

[JSn]

I strongly doubt this guy should be prospected as the #3 TE. He'll be the #2 in 2 TE sets. Both he and Watson are legit receiving threats with above-grade blocking skill. Watson is not as bad as you all think, he's starting to show strength at Blocking and running down INT's, hehe.

In the end, Watson, Baker, #3 (I think Thomas is done). #3 might even be an O/L again, adding flexibility our game-day actives. A 2WR/2TE set with Faulk as a running/blocking/receiving threat out of the backfield would play nicely with these guys imo. Be interesting to see what the deal ends up being.

 

[primetime]

Baker's a good receiver with solid hands, especially near the goal-line. He's also a tough blocker. I see this as a pretty good pickup.

 

[mgteich]

So, we have Watson and Baker active.

We will likely keep a backup as we usually do. We have three tight ends competing for that spot, two with time on the roster. It seems unlikely that we would bring in another.

 

[tanked_as_usual]

So, we have Watson and Baker active.

We will likely keep a backup as we usually do. We have three tight ends competing for that spot, two with time on the roster. It seems unlikely that we would bring in another.

at this point, it comes down to whether the pats bring evans back......if they don't, you can expect to see all 3 (watson, thomas, baker) suit up every week

 

[Urgent]

I like this if it means the Pats don't have to draft a tight end before the fifth round of the draft. Then it's terrific.

 

[KDPPatsfan85]

If he signs then more draft picks can go to defense and upgrading the OLine!! Also, i love it when a Jets player comes to his senses and joins the Patriots

 

[PatsChamp88]

Good signing glad we are getting some players out of the way early.

 

[PATSYLICIOUS]

I like this, just the type of move I feel we needed on offense. Watson in a contract year and Baker is a solid #2 to have. If Thomas stays #2 that means he is picking up.

 

[Box_O_Rocks]

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.

Have the contract details been released? Is it a multi-year deal? On the plus side, the Pats now have 5 TE under contract for 2009, two of whom are Practice Squad eligible - Yippee for competition!

This is going to be a fun draft.

 

[mgteich]

Why would I want Thomas active instead of Evans?

at this point, it comes down to whether the pats bring evans back......if they don't, you can expect to see all 3 (watson, thomas, baker) suit up every week

 

[signbabybrady]

Why would I want Thomas active instead of Evans?

Because you actually have one under contract and not the other

I think he was saying if we bring back Evans then he dresses instead of Thomas.

 

[dmb88886]

we did? hobson was a stretch and for depth only

That's a pure lie. That's now how you felt at the time. You were posting on the Jets board how good he will be. You were touting how him and Anthony Clement would be very good with the Pats.

 

[mgteich]

I agree. With Watson and Baker, there is no reason for Thomas to be active. I'm not even sure there is reason if Evans weren't signed, but he will be so it isn't an issue.

Because you actually have one under contract and not the other

I think he was saying if we bring back Evans then he dresses instead of Thomas.

 

[Gunnails]

Let me be the first to say it, Pats picking through the Jets trash again.

I was hopeing the Jets would be able to resign him.

Baker is an above average blocker, has great hands, good route runner, his major knock is that he is sloooow.

Pats just got better.

 

[Richter]

Unsurprising but very solid signing. I like this move. Solid blocker with good size, has had production in the passing game, just what the Patriots needed. He compliments Watson nicely. No tight end (hopefully) in this year's draft.

 

[ctpatsfan77]

Unsurprising but very solid signing. I like this move. Solid blocker with good size, has had production in the passing game, just what the Patriots needed. He compliments Watson nicely. No tight end (except, hopefully, James Casey) in this year's draft.

Fixed your post for you.

 

[BPF]

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

I think he is more than a #3. Baker is a good blocker, although is more of a wall off type which is is ok because it fits in with the type of runs the Pats call. Does display good balance when blocking. Is also effective in the passing game because he is quick into his routes. Really good at running short and intermediate routes. Doesn't have speed to stretch the seam but Watson can do that. Good hands and plucks the ball. Good football player and nice signing.

 

[BelichickFan]

I think he is more than a #3. Baker is a good blocker, although is more of a wall off type which is is ok because it fits in with the type of runs the Pats call. Does display good balance when blocking. Is also effective in the passing game because he is quick into his routes. Really good at running short and intermediate routes. Good hands and plucks the ball. Good football player and nice signing.

I shouldn't have tried to order them, he'll play a specific role and will be good at it. I really meant that if Watson got hurt then Thomas would more likely replace him as the "receiving" TE. But I should know better than to try to label Patriots players in an order like that.

 

[patchick]

I like this if it means the Pats don't have to draft a tight end before the fifth round of the draft. Then it's terrific.

I especially like it because I'm very, very, very unimpressed with this year's TE class.

 

[mayoclinic]

Maybe we can finally stop all the speculation about trading for Tony Gonzalez from KC.

I could see us potentially trading Thomas for a mid-low draft pick - something like a 5th round pick.