Redskins ink Baker, but not Banks
Per Grant Paulsen, NT Chris Baker signed a one-year deal on a right of first refusal tender offer for $1.3 million. Meanwhile, John Keim confirms that RS/WR Brandon Banks will not be offered a contract by the Redskins, meaning he will become an unrestricted free agent and can sign with any NFL team that wants him.
Baker can negotiate with other teams for a better deal than $1.3 million for one year and if he receives a better offer, can leave Washington if the Redskins refuse to match the better offer. That's unlikely to happen, though and the most likely scenario is that Baker returns to Washington for at least one more season.
None of this should come as a surprise. Baker showed real promise as a nose tackle during preseason last year and filled in adequately for starter Barry Cofield during the regular season.
In addition, Baker has played at defensive end in Washington's 3-4 defense, so he would add some depth and versatility if the team has to cut DE Adam Carriker to get under the salary cap by tomorrow.
Banks, on the other hand, has never been able to turn his incredible speed and agility into production on the field and the kickoff rules change that eliminated about half or more of all kick returns, means Banks' skills as a returner are less valuable than before. Banks was eventually replaced by TE Niles Paul on kickoffs and rookie CB Richard Crawford on punts and it has been apparent since before Christmas 2012 that Banks would not be in Washington in 2013.
The Redskins have now brought back five of their six restricted free agents [RFA]. The only one who has not been signed? Brandon Banks. As noted above, that's not going to happen.
