KC Chiefs vs. Eagles: Five players who can help themselves most

Deandre Baker

Deandre Baker needs no introduction to passionate fans who recognize him as a former first round cornerback pick by the New York Giants, the very first corner taken in the 2019 NFL Draft. Unfortunately, despite earning instant playing time with the Giants during a 15-start rookie campaign, he’s been slow to generate the same opportunities in Kansas City.

Part of his lack of opportunities came down to signing during the middle of the 2020 season, and a broken leg didn’t help in Week 17 (when he actually looked good in his first real reps on the team). This preseason, he was clearly passed over by new import Mike Hughes (also a former first round pick) and Baker found himself as a healthy scratch during the first two games of the season.

Last week, the team was without Charvarius Ward on the outside due to a quad injury. Ward is out once again in Week 4 against the Eagles, and super sub Rashad Fenton is, too, with a concussion. Baker received quite a few snaps last week in his first official action of 2021, and with a pair of corners out, Baker will be even more important.

Here’s a key opportunity for Baker to make sure he never sits with the inactive again if he can rise to the occasion. He clearly has the potential but it’s time for him to seize the moment with a standout effort against the Eagles pass catchers.