ESPN’s Mike Reiss reported that Baker decided to join the Eagles’ practice squad “after mulling multiple options, including a return to the New England Patriots.” The Pats originally kept Baker on their initial 53-man roster before cutting him to make room for waiver claims.
Baker played college football for Alabama from 2020-2021, where he notably overlapped with fellow Crimson Tide-turned-Eagles wide receivers DeVonta Smith and John Metchie III. Baker then transferred to UCF for two years, where he really took off a senior in 2023. His numbers from that season: 52 receptions, 1,139 yards (21.9 average), 7 TD.
The Pats picked Baker with a fourth-round pick (No. 110 overall) in the 2024 NFL Draft. As a rookie, he logged just 90 offensive snaps and 28 special teams snaps. Baker’s four targets resulted in one catch for 12 yards. He did also return three kicks for 79 yards (26.3 average).
The Eagles must believe in the 23-year-old’s upside to some extent. We’ll see if the 6’1”, 202 pounder can develop in Philly.