Chris Baker drawing interest from Denver Broncos early

Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports
Dec 24, 2016; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears offensive guard Ted Larsen (62) and Washington Redskins defensive end Chris Baker (92) in action during the game at Soldier Field. The Redskins defeat the Bears 41-21. Mandatory Credit: Jerome Miron-USA TODAY Sports /
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The Denver Broncos are reportedly among the teams expressing early interest in free agent nose tackle Chris Baker of the Washington Redskins…

Though the official period to sign players doesn’t open until Thursday, teams can begin negotiating with agents as soon as Tuesday, and the Denver Broncos are wasting no time. One player that is on their radar, reportedly, is Washington’s Chris Baker, a nose tackle who started his NFL career in Denver.

Here’s what we wrote about Baker potentially reuniting with the Broncos a month ago:

"Listed at 6-2, 320 pounds, Baker could be an ideal fit for the Denver Broncos, who are going to be searching for nose tackle help this offseason. He’s a nose tackle that can not only occupy blocks and be effective in the running game, but as his 9.5 sacks over the last two seasons indicate, he can also get penetration and make plays as a pass rusher.He’s developed over the last eight seasons into a stud on the defensive line, and should be high on John Elway’s priority list this offseason."

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Baker would be a great pickup for this Denver defense, certainly better — at least in my opinion — than re-signing Sylvester Williams. While Williams was a former first round pick of the Broncos, it seems his time in Denver ended poorly and though he could still be brought back in some capacity, it seems like the Broncos are looking to upgrade.

Entering his 9th season in the NFL, Baker is still just 29 years old, and doesn’t turn 30 until October. He’d be a veteran presence up front for a defense that struggled badly against the run this past season.

The Broncos tried and failed to sign Earl Mitchell, but they could perhaps be looking to take those resources and spend them on Baker, who would be an excellent pickup at the start of free agency.