The Indianapolis Colts announced on Wednesday that they waived cornerback Darrell Baker.
This was the corresponding roster move that needed to take place after the team claimed cornerback Samuel Womack off waivers. The roster is now at 53 players once again, which includes five cornerbacks.
Baker was listed on the Colts’ cornerback depth chart as the backup this summer behind Jaylon Jones. Baker played 87 defensive snaps over three preseason games, surrendering two completions on four targets for 25 yards.
He played nearly 500 defensive snaps for the Colts in 2023, allowing 28 receptions on 49 targets (57.1%) at a hefty 16.1 yards per catch with seven pass breakups. Missed tackles were an issue as well, with Baker missing 13 of his 46 total attempts, according to PFF.
With the general uncertainty at the cornerback position, and not knowing if they’d land Womack on waivers, the Colts chose to roster Baker over rookies Jaylin Simpson and Micah Abraham, with his experience, I would guess, playing a key role in that decision. Whereas Simpson and Abraham both need time to develop.
However, the margin for error at the cornerback position is also very thin, and the need to find a potential upgrade on the back end of the depth chart remained a need as well–even with Baker’s experience.
Baker will now go on waivers and if unclaimed he will become a free agent.