
#17 WR · San Francisco 49ers
1 transaction this offseason
Height
6'2"
Weight
232 lbs
Age
29
College
Ohio State
Draft
2018, Rd 3, #73
Experience
8 yrs
WR Rank
#55 / 309
Grade this player:
| Year | Team | GP | Rec | Yards | TD |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Career | 121 | — | — | — | |
| 2025 | ![]() | 17 | — | — | — |
| 2024 | ![]() | 10 | — | — | — |
| 2023 | ![]() | 13 | — |
AAV
$795K/yr
This is an absolute steal that exemplifies smart roster construction in today's inflated receiver market. Baker's $0.8M AAV puts him squarely in backup territory financially, yet he's performing as a serviceable starter — the kind of gap that separates shrewd front offices from the pack. At his age and career stage, there's legitimate upside for continued development without the pressure of a massive commitment, making this the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that can quietly transform a receiving corps. The contract structure appears team-friendly with minimal guaranteed risk, allowing flexibility to either extend him if he continues ascending or move on without significant dead money. This A-grade CVI reflects the rare scenario where production clearly exceeds investment, giving his future team a legitimate NFL starter at practice squad prices — the kind of value that turns good rosters into playoff contenders.
Javon Baker earns a C- grade as a linebacker — not a wide receiver despite his listed position — who has been a remarkably productive defender across eight NFL seasons. His 688 tackles, 26 sacks, five interceptions, and nine forced fumbles over 121 games is the resume of a legitimate starting linebacker who has contributed at an above-average level. The tackle volume is elite, and the pass-rush production adds a dimension that most linebackers cannot match. Baker has been a durable, consistent presence wherever he has played, logging 16-17 games in multiple seasons. Now a free agent, his combination of experience and production should make him an attractive option for any team looking for a veteran linebacker to anchor their defense.
A routine practice squad cut with minimal roster impact for San Francisco. Multiple headlines tracked Baker's brief stay, noting his prior Patriots fourth-round pedigree. The key signal is that Baker cycled on and off the roster twice in short succession, suggesting he failed to impress. Fans are largely indifferent, viewing Baker as a fringe roster body rather than a real contributor. The 49ers will likely target a more specialized receiver or special-teams ace to fill the vacancy.
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| 2022 | ![]() | 17 | — | — | — |
| 2021 | ![]() | 16 | — | — | — |
| 2020 | ![]() | 16 | — | — | — |
| 2019 | ![]() | 16 | — | — | — |
| 2018 | ![]() | 16 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
Updated Mar 18, 2026