Former Ohio State LB Jerome Baker signs with Seattle Seahawks
For the first time in his NFL career, Jerome Baker will play for a team other than the Miami Dolphins. The former Ohio State linebacker was released by the Dolphins earlier this offseason and was in search of a new team.
That search came to an end on Sunday when Baker signed with the Seattle Seahawks. According to ESPN’s Adam Schefter, Baker signed a one-year, $7 million contract.
Baker was a third-round selection, No. 73 overall, in the 2018 NFL Draft by Miami. Baker quickly became a starter and important piece for the Dolphins’ defense. As a rookie, he recorded 79 total tackles, four tackles for a loss, three sacks, three passes defended, one interception and a touchdown.
Over the next two seasons, Baker continued to impress in Miami, recording over 100 total tackles each year and managed seven sacks in 2020. The linebacker managed “only” 92 tackles in 2021 but was back up to 100 takedowns the following season, starting every game the Dolphins played in those two years. Last season, Baker played in just 13 games, starting 12, and had 78 total tackles, two tackles for a loss and a career-high two interceptions.
Baker was expected to play in the final season of his four-year deal in 2024 before he was released earlier this month.
During his freshman season with the Buckeyes, Baker only saw the field on special teams and in late-game action when the outcome was already in hand, recording three total tackles in the final seven games of the year.
Had it not been for an injury to fellow linebacker Dante Booker at the beginning of the 2016 season, Baker may not have emerged as early as he did for the Scarlet and Gray. By the end of the year, Baker was a household name, finishing the 2016 season with 83 total tackles — second best on the team behind fellow linebacker Raekwon McMillan. He also recorded 9.5 tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two interceptions and one fumble recovery, starting 12 of 13 games. The linebacker was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media for his efforts that year.
There were very high expectations for Baker coming into his junior season, as the anticipation was he would become one of the best outside linebackers in the country. Baker struggled a bit in 2017, along with the rest of the Buckeye linebackers. He still managed to lead the Scarlet and Gray in total tackles with 72 and recorded eight tackles for a loss, 3.5 sacks, two fumble recoveries and one forced fumble in 13 games. Once again, Baker was named honorable mention All-Big Ten by both the coaches and the media and announced he would forego his senior season and declare for the NFL Draft shortly after the Buckeyes’ win against USC in the Cotton Bowl.
Baker joins defensive tackle Dre’Mont Jones and wide receiver Jaxon Smith-Njigba as Buckeyes in Seattle.
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