Back to the Tampa Bay Buccaneers Newsfeed

New defensive lineman Chris Baker hasn't forgotten Bucs' belief in him in 2012

TAMPA, Fla. -- It's taken a long time for new Tampa Bay Buccaneers defensive lineman Chris Baker to feel wanted in the NFL, but he's never forgotten the one team that did make him feel like he belonged -- the Bucs.

Eight years ago, the former Hampton defensive tackle didn't hear his name called in the 2012 NFL draft. Fast forward to 2017, and he was one of the first major free agents to sign with a team on free agency's opening day.

"It’s weird that I’m back here, because during the whole [pre-draft] process my only visit from a team was to Tampa," said Baker, who signed a three-year deal worth $15.