Report: Jets TE Baker signs contract extension

Sep 11, 2008 - 11:37 AM NEW YORK (Ticker) -- The New York Jets have signed tight end Chris Baker to a three-year contract extension, according to an article in Thursday's New York Post.

Baker and the Jets have been in discussion for sometime on an extension. But Baker, who had two catches for 34 yards during Sunday's 20-14 victory against the Miami Dolphins, thought the offers from New York were well below his market value.

Baker, who is scheduled to make $1.65 million this season, finally came to terms on a three-year extension that will pay him $12.2 million over those new years. The Post reports the new deal includes $9 million guaranteed in the added years, but only if he plays in at least 50 percent of the offensive plays in 2008 and is still on the roster on the fifth day of the 2009 league year, next March.

The Jets could avoid paying the guaranteed money if they cut Baker and allow him to become a free agent. According to the report, this provision is in place to allow the Jets to evaluate 2008 first-round draft pick Dustin Keller before paying Baker, who now has five years remaining on a contract that is worth $15 million.