Nine days into free agency, the Seattle Seahawks finally made their first signing.
Chris Baker, a tight end who spent last season in New England and the previous seven with the New York Jets, agreed to terms with the Seahawks after coming to Seattle for a visit late in the week.
The team did not announce the signing Saturday, as the contract had not been signed, but a team spokesman confirmed that deal had been agreed upon.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter reported that Baker will sign a two-year, $4.75-million deal that includes $2.75 million in 2010.
Baker will serve as a backup to John Carlson, but upgrading at tight end was a priority for Seattle even with Carlson in place. Seattle’s new offensive coordinator, Jeremy Bates, comes from a background of frequently using two-tight-end sets in Denver, making a productive backup a must for the Seahawks. John Owens, Carlson’s backup last season, caught just three passes for 16 yards.
Baker, 30, had his most productive season in 2007, catching 41 passes for 409 yards.
The Seahawks also met with veteran tight end Ben Watson, but he signed with Cleveland.
Herald Writer John Boyle: jboyle@heraldnet.com. For more Seahawks coverage, check out the Seahawks blog at heraldnet.com/seahawksblog
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