Favorite to Land Jerome Baker
Jerome Baker's agent left open the possibility of a return to the Miami Dolphins this offseason, but it's just as likely he'll end up playing for another team in 2024 and there are destinations that stand out right now as logical destinations.
Baker was released by the Dolphins earlier this week after six seasons in Miami, there are two different reports out of Pittsburgh linking him to the Steelers. And then there's a potential reunion with the Minnesota Vikings, where former Dolphins head coach Brian Flores is the defensive coordinator and starting inside linebacker Jordan Hicks will become a free agent next week.
With Pittsburgh, beat reporter Ray Fittipaldi told radio station 93.7 The Fan that Baker was somebody liked when he came out of Ohio State.
"I remember going back to when Baker was coming out of Ohio State. That's an annual stop for the Steelers' Pro Day tour, and there was some interest then," Fittipaldo said, via All Steelers. "I know he is coming off an injury, but yeah, I mean that salary cap casualty by the Dolphins might end up being fortuitous for the Steelers if they can potentially hammer out a deal."
Additionally, Steelers reporter Mark Kaboli of The Athletic said he would "expect" the Steelers to bring in Baker for a visit.
If he does end up joining the Steelers, Baker will be reunited with former Dolphins teammate Elandon Roberts, who signed with Pittsburgh as a free agent in 2023 after three seasons with Miami.
BAKER THRIVED UNDER FLORES
As for Minnesota, it's worth noting that Baker's top two seasons in terms of tackles (2019-20) and sacks (2020-21) came during Flores' three-year tenure as head coach.
Baker started 42 of 48 games for Flores' defenses, recording a career-high 126 tackles in 2019 and a career-high seven sacks in 2020 when he was asked to do more blitzing.
Agent Drew Rosenhaus said this week that Dolphins coaches wanted Baker back, but no agreement could be reached on a restructured (reduced) contract, which led to Baker's release.
