Chris Baker (tight end)

Chris Baker (born November 18, 1979 in Queens, New York) is a former American football tight end. He was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round of the 2002 NFL Draft. He played college football at Michigan State.

New York Jets
Baker was drafted by the New York Jets in the third round (88th overall) of the 2002 NFL draft. During the 2005 season, he served as the starting tight end until becoming injured and placed on the injured reserve list. Baker had a breakout season in 2006, setting career bests in receiving yards, receptions, touchdowns and starts, as the Jets finished 10-6 earning the fifth wild card spot. After a career year in 2007, Chris said the Jets promised him a new contract and lied.

Baker felt disrespected with the Jets decision to use their first-round pick in the 2008 NFL Draft on Dustin Keller and their acquisition of free agent Bubba Franks, which pushed Baker to third on the depth chart and made him the least paid Jets tight end, despite his productive past two seasons. The Jets finally extended Baker with a three-year, $12.2 million contract extension through 2012, but it came with an out-clause stating the Jets would owe him nothing if he cut from the team before March 5, 2009.

On February 20, 2009, Baker was released by the Jets.

New England Patriots
Baker signed a five-year contract with the New England Patriots on February 27, 2009, stating that the Patriots were the first and only team he considered signing with. On September 27, 2009, Baker caught Tom Brady's 200th career touchdown pass in the fourth quarter of the Patriots and Falcons game.

Baker was released on March 4, 2010, in a cost-cutting move.

Seattle Seahawks
On March 13, 2010, Baker signed a contract with the Seattle Seahawks. to serve mainly as a blocker. On January 4, 2011, the Seahawks placed Baker on IR, just four days before their Wildcard playoff game. He caught nine passes for 116 yards and a touchdown through the season.

Personal life
In May 2009 Chris married his longtime girlfriend, Yadira Taveras, in Long Island, New York. Together, they have a son, Chris Jr, and daughter Tamia.