Report: Colts “have their eye on” defensive lineman Chris Baker

There will surely be a number of defensive players that interest the Colts in free agency this year, and one of those players could be Redskins defensive tackle Chris Baker.

According to the Indianapolis Star’s Stephen Holder, “word is the Colts have their eye on” Baker in free agency, which means he’s a guy we should keep an eye on in the coming days as well.

Baker was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Broncos in 2009 and played one game for Denver that year before he was cut prior to the 2010 regular season. The Dolphins soon signed him to their practice squad and then a month later promoted him to their 53-man roster, playing in one game. The Redskins signed him to their practice squad in 2011, where he spent most of the season before he was promoted to the 53-man roster. Since then, Baker has been a member of the Redskins, and he’s carved out a nice role for himself - starting the majority of the games over the last three seasons. In his NFL career he has played in 78 games (starting 41) and has recorded 181 tackles, 11.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and five passes defensed. Over the past two years he has really stood out, starting 26 games (and playing in all 32) and recording 100 tackles, 9.5 sacks, five forced fumbles, and three passes defensed to go with 17 tackles for loss and 17 quarterback hits.

The Colts could be looking to improve in the trenches, something that Chris Ballard has really emphasized since he was hired, so it wouldn’t be a surprise to see them go after defensive linemen. The top names are obviously guys like Dontari Poe and Brandon Williams, but after that group then someone like Chris Baker could be a nice interior defensive line pickup. According to CSN this past weekend, Baker and the Redskins have had “positive” talks but that as many as six teams are also interested. Adding that with what Holder reported, it’s probable that the Colts are one of those six teams. That would also mean, though, that Indy would likely have competition in trying to sign him, which would drive Baker’s price up a bit. He would be a solid interior defensive line option for the Colts, however, and it sounds like he’s someone to pay attention to.