Jerome Baker

Career StatsD

Year	Team	GP	Tkl	Sacks	INT
Career		121	688	26.0	5
2025		17	40	1.5	0
2024		10	61	2.0	0
2023		13

Current Contract

Contract Value Index (CVI)

The Browns struck gold with Jerome Baker's one-year, $1.4M deal, securing proven linebacker depth at a fraction of market rate — this earns an A- CVI for outstanding value. While Baker profiles as a rotational player rather than an every-down starter, his $1.4M salary sits well below what even middling linebackers command in free agency, creating significant upside for Cleveland's defense. The veteran brings legitimate NFL experience and versatility that typically costs $3-4M annually, making this a classic "prove-it" contract that heavily favors the team. With only $700K guaranteed, the Browns maintain maximum flexibility while Baker gets a chance to rebuild his market value in a favorable defensive system. This is exactly the type of low-risk, high-reward signing that allows teams to allocate resources elsewhere while maintaining quality depth at a critical position.

Performance Analysis

Jerome Baker is an 8-year veteran linebacker who entered the league with legitimate pedigree but has struggled to carve out a consistent starting role in Cleveland. His current-season performance earns a D grade, a notable dip from a C in 2024 and a C- in 2023. The downward trajectory is difficult to ignore for a player now in his age-29 season. Baker's current-season tackle rate of 2.35 per game falls well short of the NFL average of 3.80, a concerning gap for a linebacker whose primary value is run defense and coverage support. His TFL rate of 0.15 per game is also below the league average of 0.40, limiting his impact as a disruptor in the backfield. His sack rate of 0.09 per game versus the NFL average of 0.23 further underscores his struggles as a pass-rush contributor this season. Baker profiles more as a depth option than a cornerstone piece at this stage of his career, though his eight seasons of experience carry real locker-room value. He draws mild comparisons to players like Kwon Alexander in his later years — serviceable in scheme but fading as a difference-maker. If Baker cannot reverse his F-grade 2025 campaign, his path to a meaningful role beyond this contract cycle narrows considerably. Teams evaluating him in free agency will demand improved tackle consistency and more disruptive play before committing long-term resources.

Current Sentiment

Jerome Baker enters the 2026 season as a beloved veteran presence on the Cleveland Browns roster, with his homecoming story resonating strongly among the local fanbase and generating genuinely positive media coverage. His willingness to embrace the role of elder statesman within a young linebacking corps speaks to a player who has matured into a locker-room asset rather than a featured contributor. With 26 career sacks, 9 forced fumbles, and 5 interceptions across eight seasons, Baker's statistical profile reflects a reliable rotational linebacker rather than a marquee defensive name, which is accurately reflected in his veteran-minimum contract. The media narrative surrounding him is almost entirely feel-good in nature — emphasizing his Cleveland roots, entrepreneurial endeavors, and mentorship role — which elevates his public perception well beyond what his on-field standing alone would suggest. Fans and analysts alike appear to view Baker as a respected, low-risk depth signing whose intangible contributions may outweigh his statistical output at this stage of his career.