Chris Baker: Not Representing the Same Green as the New York Jets

Entering his seventh season, out of Michigan State, Chris Baker has spent his entire career with the New York Jets. However, the Queens, NY native has been unhappy with his contract for some time, and has been fairly vocal about it this off-season. But is he worth the headache?

Baker has performed admirably as the starting tight end. His style of play had been a breath of fresh air after the failed Anthony Becht and Doug Jolley experiments.

The Jets finally had a tight end that could catch! His blocking ability has also been sufficient, but nothing impressive enough to truly credit to his overall game.

Taking a page out of Pete Kendall's book, Baker saw the money being offered in contracts for other players and couldn't wait his turn. Fortunately, the Jets have adequate replacements for Chris Baker with the free agent signing of Pro Bowler, Bubba Franks, and first round selection of Purdue's Dustin Keller.

So while the Jets' may have suffered with Adrien Clarke for the 2007 season, Kendall's departure provided an open door for a younger, more vicious, and more talented perennial Pro Bowler in Alan Faneca.

Fearing a repeat of the Kendall fiasco that loomed over 2007's training camp, the New York Jets have inexplicably placed Chris Baker on the physically unable to perform list (PUP) days before the 2008 camp opens.

Perhaps it's to negotiate terms to a new contract quietly, or it's an attempt to keep him out of practice as decisions are made in regards to Baker's future with the team. Whatever the cause, the situation needs to be remedied quickly as to prevent disturbances in team-building and chemistry.

Baker's reasons for standing against the organization aren't unreasonable. It's damaging to a man's ego to be a team's starter for three seasons, only to be paid less than an incoming veteran and a first round draft selection.

But the circumstances under which he's chosen to make his demands are selfish and unrealistic!

Bubba Franks has been a Pro Bowler in this league, and Dustin Keller is only listed as a tight end. He's expected to be used similarly to Dallas Clark in Indianapolis, seeing activity in various offensive alignments.

Chris Baker has not had an elite career in the NFL. His output to date does not warrant a contract that reflects what he thinks he's capable of! Antonio Gates, Jason Witten, Tony Gonzalez, Todd Heap, and Kellen Winslow are of a caliber that Chris Baker is not. Opposing defenses don't need to plan ways to stop Chris from taking over a game.

According to the statistics on NFL.com, Chris Baker ranked 19th among NFL tight ends in 2007! His overall salary places him 20th among tight ends.

Despite that, Chris Baker's career-high, 41 receptions, are still contributions to a 4-12 season. Only in the world of professional athletes can a man demand a raise after mediocre results.

The argument that the offensive play calling may have underutilized Baker is inconsequential. What does matter is that Baker agreed to, and signed, a mid-season contract renegotiation resulting in money for the 2008 season being re-allocated to his 2007 paychecks.

Chris Baker may feel underpaid right now, but that's because last season he agreed to be overpaid.

With training camp days away, the Jets do not need a tight end with modest productivity making demands because he's misinterpreted his value.

Chris Baker will always be respected among Jets' fans for being the only bright spot on the team against the Kansas City Chiefs on opening day in 2005. And fans will always love that touchdown catch he made in Cleveland that was robbed by the referees.

However, his attempts to hold the Jets' hostage for a new contract threaten to eradicate the respectable career he's had in New York thus far. The Jets are on the verge of doing something great, and can certainly do without the distractions.

Angel Navedo is the Head Writer at NYJetsFan.com, boasting Jet Fuel Radio, frequently updated news and opinions, and a premier fan community.