I want to make something really clear. As is the case with other players, like Pennington for example, I do not dislike Baker. I simply think he is overrated by people on this board. As an offensive weapon, he's a good option to catch the ball. (If he's actually thrown to.) As for his blocking, from what I've seen, he's average at best. Could that be attributed to who he is playing next to? Sure. At the same time, I don't think it's all about him getting double-teamed. If you are being fair, his skills balance out to make him an average tight end. Given that his stronger skill is one that is not utilized by this CS, what is his basis for demanding more than he's already getting? Screw it, release him. If he thinks he's going to do so much better out there, let him try. I doubt he's going to gather much interest on the open market. Then he can come back here, with his tail between his legs, and get paid less to do the same job.
The FO shouldn't release him UNTIL they attempt to trade him...and if they can't get anything for him, then they can cut him. Bubba Franks will be just as good in '08. The TE isn't important in the Jets' offense.
I meant that more off-handedly. Baker will be back in camp by the time it's mandatory, I'm all but sure of it. What I meant is that he can piss and moan all he wants, he isn't getting the big money he thinks he's worth on the open market.
The Jets signed Baker's backup $1 million more than what he's making and he's the starter, c'mon people that's just messed up. I'd be mad too, first you didn't want to renegotiate and then went out and signed another player for a million more than what I'm making. That's BS!!
What's great is that this same misinformation is being repeated over and over, even after the actual truth has been posted a few times in this very thread.
Is it hard to understand that he signed a renegotiated contract only 4 months ago? His avg salary for the 3 yr contract was $1.8M a yr. I would'nt give him a dime more than that.
Why do people keep saying "... then cut him". Why cut him at all? His base pay is nothing this year and 'only' $1 mill next year. He got all the money up front. If he doesn't play, sit his ass for the next two years.
Baker cant control what Schottenheimer runs and everything though. He does whats told and thats that. Baker would still ask for similar money, even if hes doing alot or nothing at all as hes doing the necessary workouts and spending his time and NFL career with the Jets. I think Baker will come out of it and be the starting TE on the team. No need to release him......We'd be in a serious hole at TE if that happened just because Franks is often hurt.
