Following reports that ex-Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker was on his way to Kansas City for a visit, Baker is now expected to sign to the team’s practice squad. Baker was officially exonerated from charges related to an alleged armed robbery, after a bizarre turn of affairs that saw his accuser’s lawyer indicted.
NFL Network’s Mike Garafolo broke the news of Baker’s imminent signing on Twitter, referencing the earlier report that Baker was scheduled to meet with the Chiefs. He also reported the team’s likely strategy with Baker, saying that they intend to have him on the practice squad and elevate him when he’s “up to speed.”
Baker will be a member of the #Chiefs’ practice squad as he gets up to speed. Soon as he does, he’ll find his way to the active roster. A day after the Broward County State Attorney’s Office dropped robbery charges, he’s on his way back to the NFL. https://t.co/objmpEGnXx
— Mike Garafolo (@MikeGarafolo) November 18, 2020
Yahoo Sports’ Terez Paylor confirmed the news and credited Garafolo with the initial scoop.
Former Giants CB DeAndre Baker is expected to sign with the Chiefs' practice squad soon, a source confirms to @YahooSports. Baker will get up to speed with the playbook and be elevated to the active roster when ready. @MikeGarafolo had the news first.
— Terez A. Paylor (@TerezPaylor) November 18, 2020
The signing comes after a hectic bye-week that saw Kansas City extend both their head coach and GM, ahead of a re-match against their bitter division rivals in Las Vegas. Baker is a former first-round pick out of Georgia and was selected 30th overall in the 2019 draft by the Giants. They released the talented young corner when charges were initially brought against him in Broward County, Florida early in the 2020 offseason.
Kansas City will get a high-potential low-risk cornerback prospect with this signing, and Baker’s presence in the secondary will be a welcome addition with the pieces that the team already has in place.
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