Yesterday as the New York Giants traded Jeremy Shockey to the Saints, the Jets placed Chris Baker on the physically unable perform (PUP) list. The disgruntled Queens, NY native is unhappy with his current deal and has demanded a new deal or to be traded. Baker is entering the third season of a four-year contract worth $6.6 million, and these grumblings and other escapades have made the tight end a distraction for the New York Jets this off-season. Last month he missed part of a mini-camp due to a sore back. He was fined $3,000 by the team for missing an injury treatment session.

Baker is coming off a career season setting highs in receptions (41) and yards (409). His best game of the season came against the Patriots when he caught eight balls for 64 yards in Week 15. The seven year-veteran claims that Jets General Manager Mike Tannenbaum told his former agent a contract would be re-done for the 28-year old tight who has two years remaining on his current deal.

Among NFL tight ends this past season, Baker was 19^th overall in catches, 18^th in yards and his three touchdowns tied him for 16^th. His salary for the season ranked him 20^th among his position. Based on his production , the money seems on par for his performance. Starting for the team for the past three seasons, Baker is angry that a newly signed free-agent, Bubba Franks, will be making the same salary he will be. Franks was signed in the off-season to a one-year $1.65 million deal. The Miami Hurricane product is a former pro-bowler for the Green Bay Packers.

The Jets also traded up in the first round draft to select  tight end Dustin Keller, out of Purdue.  He possesses 4.53 speed and will be used to stretch the field and can be productive in the slot. In his senior season for the Boilermakers he posted 881 yards and 7 touchdowns. The team plans to use him like Dallas Clark of the Colts in various offensive formations. Keller, is scheduled to make significantly more than Baker as well.  He signed a five year deal worth $8.5 million dollars.   

Baker’s sitatuation is similar is similar to last year, with guard Pete Kendall was upset over his contract and wanted it to be redone.  Kendall, who shares the same agent as Baker, was traded to the Redskins before the season. However, with the departure of Kendall, the Jets were able to sign prennienal Pro Bowler Alan Fanceca during the off-season.

With Baker being on the PUP list, he will not be permitted to practice with the team.  Also, the Jets are not obligated are not to pay his base salary ($683,000). If team brass decides to cut him he receives nothing. The Jets can put the former third round pick on injured reserve or leave him on the PUP list for at least weeks after the preseason ends. Being on the  physically unable to perform list also means Baker does not count towards the 53 man roster. The Jets could activate him after week 6 if the rehab for his back goes well. On the depth chart the team also has A.J. Schable, Jason Pociask and James Dearth. With training camp days away the Jets need to patch this situation so it does not effect team chemistry in a negative way.