Tag: Darrell Baker

Now former Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darrell Baker has been claimed off waivers by the Tennessee Titans. Baker will join the Titans’ 53-man roster.

The Titans claimed former Colts CB Darrell Baker Jr. on waivers, a source confirms

— Joel A. Erickson (@JoelAErickson) August 29, 2024

The Colts claimed cornerback Samuel Womack off waivers on Wednesday and released Baker as the corresponding move to make room on the 53-man roster.

Baker went undrafted in 2022 out of Georgia Southern and would eventually sign with the Colts and appeared in three games as as rookie. In his second season, however, Baker would play a significant role for the Colts playing in 14 games and making six starts.

In coverage, Baker allowed a completion rate of just 57.1 percent on 49 targets and forced seven pass breakups. However, he would give up a hefty 16.1 yards per catch and opposing quarterbacks had a passer rating of 101.7 when targeted.

Baker would make the Colts’ initial 53-man roster this season after being a backup boundary option and the fifth cornerback on the depth chart. But landing Womack on waivers led to GM Chris Ballard changing course.

Cornerback will be one of the big unknowns for the Colts heading into the regular season. Having Kenny Moore provides some needed stability, but collectively, this is an inexperienced group that, and last season, that resulted in very inconsistent play.

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.