Deandre Baker’s return gives the Chiefs security at cornerback position

The Kansas City Chiefs are facing a problem at cornerback for the 2022 season in both quantity and quality. While the latter still exists even with some depth signings, the decision to tender an offer to exclusive rights free agent Deandre Baker means that the team at least has a bit more security and familiarity heading into another offseason.

Baker was always a very likely candidate to return as an ERFA, which means that the player has to sign whatever deal a franchise gives him and there are no opportunities for him to shop for any leverage on the open market. Next offseason, Baker will be a restricted free agent with a bit more control, but for now, he’s forced to take what the Chiefs offer him.

At the present time, the Chiefs are looking at the potential loss of unrestricted free agents like Mike Hughes and Charvarius Ward. Backup corner Chris Lammons has also found himself in legal troubles this offseason after being arrested with Alvin Kamara and others on felony battery charges.

The Kansas City Chiefs have decided to bring back Deandre Baker in a move that gives them greater security at cornerback.

In terms of returning personnel, L’Jarius Sneed is now the Chiefs most dynamic talent at corner and Rashad Fenton follows suit as a former sixth round pick who is playing better than anyone could have anticipated. DiCaprio Bootle is also a good bet to rise up from the practice squad or inactive list to take over a permanent active special teams role in the wake of Armani Watts hitting free agency as well as Lammons’ mess.

While the Chiefs have at least some players in place, Baker’s return gives them depth on the boundary if they need to move Fenton back inside to cover for Hughes. In addition, Baker was once the top cornerback drafted in his class only three years ago and started 15 games during his rookie year for the New York Giants.

So far for the Chiefs, Baker’s impact has been minimal with two passes deflected in 10 total games over two seasons.