In a significant move within the NFL, the Seattle Seahawks have successfully secured a deal with Jerome Baker, a highly sought-after free agent. Baker, previously with the Miami Dolphins, has inked a one-year contract with the Seahawks, valued at $7 million. This development was first reported by ESPN.
Earlier in the month, the Miami Dolphins made the decision to release Baker. This move was primarily a strategy to reduce costs, allowing the Dolphins to save $9.8 million before the commencement of the new league year. During the last season, Baker showcased his skills in 13 games, achieving 78 combined tackles, 1.5 sacks, three passes defensed, and a personal best of two interceptions. Remarkably, Baker is among a select group of seven players who, since 1982, have amassed 500 tackles and 20 sacks within their first five seasons in the NFL.
Baker’s journey to the NFL began when he was selected by the Dolphins in the third round of the 2018 NFL Draft, following an impressive tenure at Ohio State. Over the course of his career, spanning 94 games, he has accumulated 587 combined tackles, 22.5 sacks, 46 QB hits, and five interceptions. The Seahawks were in search of a talented inside linebacker, especially after Bobby Wagner signed with the Washington Commanders and Devin Bush moved to the Cleveland Browns. Baker’s arrival fills this critical gap in the team.
In Seattle, Baker will be working under the guidance of Mike Macdonald, the team’s new head coach who is renowned for his expertise with linebackers. Macdonald’s impressive resume includes stints as the linebackers coach for the Baltimore Ravens, defensive coordinator at the University of Michigan under Jim Harbaugh, and a return to Baltimore where he spent the last two seasons as the defensive coordinator. Under his leadership last season, the Ravens achieved a historic feat by either leading or co-leading the NFL in scoring defense, sacks, and takeaways. This achievement was highlighted by the recognition of linebacker Roquan Smith as a First Team All-Pro and Patrick Queen as a Second Team All-Pro. Baker’s collaboration with Macdonald is anticipated to bring a new dynamism to the Seahawks’ defense.