I'll start by saying that Baker won't be looking for a max contract type of deal.
His agent is currently doing what a good agent should be currently doing.
I'll start by saying that Baker won't be looking for a max contract type of deal.
His agent is currently doing what a good agent should be currently doing.
Sure. Though I freely admit I haven't been paying any attention to any stories about Baker's upcoming potential new deal. But any agent worth his paycheck would be running around hyping up his guy to anyone that would stand still long enough to listen; he should be fired if he isn't.
Just saying, Baker himself isn't motivated by being paid as "the highest paid QB in the league." It's never been a top issue for him. In fact, if he gets another 3-yr, $120M type of deal, that would just be more motivation for him. Obviously, that won't happen, just saying. Baker is motivated by competing and winning. And he's smart enough to know that he can't compete and win all by himself. I mean, just listen to him talk. he's always praising his teammates, never himself. The only time he talks about himself is to criticize his own play or to be self-deprecating, like when he was asked about his block for Irving, to which he said, 'I could've thrown a better block.'
While I agree that he likely knows he’s part of a team and appreciates his place, he also knows his value.
I think that Licht & the owners actually want him to excel. They too know that if he turns in a reasonably similar performance, they’re going to have to pay more.
Like you, I believe at this stage of his career, especially with what he went through before he got here, he’s more pragmatic than he was when he was drafted. So that likely means Baker knows the investment the Bucs have made on his behalf, they built a team around him. He knows that has a cost and he values it. That will likely make him a bit more reasonable.
His agent is no doubt reminding he and his family of his shelf life - and he won’t have to remind him of the prospect of injury.
So my guess is that he’ll get more than some here will be believe, but less than other similarly accomplished at his position.
We’re in rare air with Baker and this team - but it begs the question: when was the last QB that the Bucs (and most of the fan base) have wanted to re-sign?
It should be a fun ride, and to be honest, I’m looking forward to it!
