Former Buckeyes LB Jerome Baker Signs One-Year Deal With Seahawks
Jerome Baker has found his next home.
According to reports, the former Ohio State linebacker is signing a one-year, $7 million contract with the Seattle Seahawks. Baker now joins former Michigan and Baltimore Ravens coordinator Mike Macdonald for what hopes to be a promising tenure with the 12th at Lumen Field.
Baker, who was released by the Miami Dolphins on March 5, took his time with finding a new destination. Earlier this week, the veteran linebacker met with the Tennessee Titans before leaving for the Pacific Northwest.
Since Baker was released by Miami, he won't count against the Seahawks' formula for compensatory picks.
A third-round pick in 2018, Baker spent six seasons with the Dolphins before his release. During that span, the 27-year-old started 82 games, totaling 587 total tackles with 31 tackles for loss, 22.5 sacks, five interceptions (two returned for touchdowns), six forced fumbles and one fumble recovery.
Baker's addition means Seattle has filled both its starting inside linebacker spots following the departures of Bobby Wagner and Jordyn Brooks. Brooks agreed to a deal with the Dolphins while Wagner signed with the Washington Commanders.
Baker is expected to fill the role lost by Wagner as the team's commander and 'thumper' type up the middle. Seattle also signed former Texas A&M and Buffalo Bills standout Tyrel Dodson to a one-year deal.
With Baker's signing, Seattle is set to have three former Ohio State players in their 2024 starting lineup. Dre’Mont Jones and Jaxon Smith-Njigba are both entering their second year in Seattle. Last offseason, Jones to a three-year, $51 million contract to join the Seahawks after being drafted by the Denver Broncos.
Smith-Njigba, who finished his rookie season with 63 catches for 628 yards and four touchdowns, was selected in the first round of last year's NFL draft.
Baker is the eighth Buckeye to sign with an NFL team since free agency began this week. He was one of two major moves on Saturday surrounding the Buckeyes. Former Ohio State quarterback Justin Fields was traded to the Pittsburgh Steelers from the Chicago Bears in exchange for a sixth-round pick, which could become a fourth-round pick depending on Fields' playing time.