Former Redskins defensive lineman Chris Baker signed with the Buccaneers, the team announced Thursday.
Baker, 29, recorded 3.5 sacks and two forced fumbles in 2016. He also took some time to make an impact in the NFL. He was signed as an undrafted free agent by the Broncos in 2009 and then was on the Dolphins' practice squad before joining the Redskins in 2011. One season later, Baker became a regular contributor, appearing in 14 games.
"Heading into free agency, Chris was one of our priority targets on the defensive side of the ball," general manager Jason Licht said in a statement issued by the Bucs. "He is a big, athletic player who has developed into a disruptive interior lineman over the past three years. He will be a great addition to our defensive line and a solid fit in [coordinator] Mike Smith's defensive system."
After starting 12 games in 2014, Baker had a breakout year in 2015, finishing with a career-best six sacks and three forced fumbles. He opened the season as a backup to Stephen Paea at left end and didn't win the starting job until after the fifth game.
"Chris has excellent size and what really jumps out at you is his ability to flash dominance at times during games and his explosive quickness," Bucs coach Dirk Koetter said. "His versatility will make him a great complementary player alongside Gerald McCoy and Clinton McDonald on our interior defensive line."
ESPN's John Keim contributed to this report.
