New York Giants have many issues to address in aftermath of Baker arrest
By Ed Stein
Big Blue just can’t cut Baker
Deandre Baker currently counts as $2.39M toward the salary cap this year. If the G-Men release him, the team will get hit with $7.59M in dead cap space for 2020. They would also be penalized $5.19M in 2021, and 2.32M in 2022. For now, the Giants can suspend Baker indefinitely because players don’t get paid in the offseason.
It’s in their best interest for the NFL to step in and take charge of the situation. Football fans know the NFL has a strict Code of Conduct Policy. A suspension or ban from the commissioner would return Baker’s per-game pay to the New York Giants. For example, if he gets a one-year suspension from the NFL, Big Blue would get $2.39M back and won’t incur and dead cap penalties.
If Baker is charged by the D.A., or if evidence exists of the crime, the team will likely sue to have his contract voided.
Giants are cash strapped for a replacement
As mentioned in my article on Thursday morning, the New York Giants have salary cap issues. They have only $4M to work with at this point. New York is out of money should they have to sign Markus Golden to a guaranteed $4.12M on July 22. If the league suspends Baker, it will be hard to find anyone good to replace their starting corner with less than $2.5M available to work with. Additionally, when Commissioner Roger Goodell makes that decision is anyone’s guess.