Baker signs as Hawks battle Cards for Whitehurst

Posted by DHarp75 on March 14, 2010 under PartyHawks Central | Be the First to Comment

Chris Baker wasn’t the first foray into free agency most fans thought the Hawks would make. Afterall, John Carlson is one of the league’s rising young talents at the position, right? But Baker’s signing does make sense on more levels than it first appears.

Baker is primarily a blocking tight end, and a veteran new offensive coordinator Jeremy Bates can utilize in two-tight end formations. He has also been a good red-zone target in the past, although he never became a significant factor in New England’s passing game last season. Ironically, the Hawks turned to Baker after former teammate Ben Watson chose Cleveland over Seattle.

On another front, the Hawks and Cardinals have both made offeres to Chargers restricted free agent QB Charlie Whitehurst. It’s an interesting tug of war between the division rivals for a backup quarterback who has yet to throw a regular-season pass through four NFL seasons. Arizona needs a backup for Matt Leinart, while the Hawks are looking for more experienced help than just Mike Teel behind Matt Hasselbeck.

Whitehurst was given a third-round tender by San Diego. So if he chooses Seattle and San Diego doesn’t match – which it’s not expected to – then the Chargers and Hawks would have to agree on compensation as the Hawks don’t have a third-round pick this year.