The New England Patriots have bolstered their wide receiver corps for the upcoming season with the recent addition of Kawaan Baker in February. This move, announced on Tuesday, signifies the team’s proactive approach in shaping its roster during the offseason, marking the ninth futures contract they’ve secured.
At 25 years old, Baker, who previously joined the New Orleans Saints as a seventh-round pick in the 2021 NFL draft, brings a versatile skill set to the Patriots. Hailing from South Alabama, Baker’s collegiate career boasted impressive statistics, including 1,829 receiving yards, 376 rushing yards, 543 return yards, and a total of 27 touchdowns across the Sun Belt conference.
Despite his potential, Baker faced challenges early in his professional journey. Following his rookie training camp, he went unclaimed on waivers and subsequently saw limited action, primarily on special teams, during his tenure with the Saints. However, a six-game suspension due to a violation of the league’s policy on performance-enhancing substances disrupted his progress, leading to his eventual release by New Orleans in 2022.
Baker then experienced brief stints with the practice squads of the Green Bay Packers and Philadelphia Eagles before returning to the team that initially drafted him. Nevertheless, his tenure with the Saints was short-lived, as he was waived ahead of the 53-man roster deadline last August.
In addition to Baker, the Patriots have also secured the services of several other players through futures contracts, including running back Ke’Shawn Vaughn, wide receiver T.J. Luther, offensive tackle Andrew Stueber, defensive tackle Trysten Hill, defensive end William Bradley-King, linebacker Joe Giles-Harris, and cornerback Azizi Hearn. Furthermore, the team recently welcomed veteran guard Michael Jordan, who joins them after his release from the Green Bay Packers’ practice squad.
With these acquisitions, the Patriots aim to bolster their roster depth and cultivate talent ahead of the upcoming season, as they continue their quest for success in the NFL.
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