The Atlanta Falcons today announced that they have agreed to terms with tackle Sam Baker on a six-year contract. The terms of the deal were not disclosed.
Baker, 6-5, 301 pounds, was originally selected by the Atlanta Falcons in the first round (21st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft. In 2012, he protected QB Matt Ryan's blindside and helped the quarterback set franchise records for attempts, completions, completion percentage, yards, and touchdowns. According to Stats LLC., Baker was not flagged for a holding or false start penalty all season and allowed a career low 3.5 sacks despite facing some of the NFL's premier pass rushers. He was named to USA Today's All-Joe team for his performance last season.
PHOTOS: Sam Baker Agrees to Terms
In five seasons with the Falcons, Baker has played in 67 games with 58 starts. He's helped anchor an offensive line that has seen Ryan rise to become the best passer in franchise history and one of the top quarterbacks in the NFL today. Since 2008, Atlanta's offense has averaged 249.3 yards per game through the air and 118.0 yards per game on the ground. Additionally, the Falcons ranked in the top eight in the league in terms of sacks allowed in each of the last five seasons.
