Former New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker is a free man.
The Broward State Attorney’s Office announced on Monday that it is dropping all charges against Baker stemming from an alleged armed robbery that occurred at a Florida house party earlier this year.
This news came after William Dean, the attorney representing three of the four men who accused Baker of robbery, was arrested for attempting to extort the cornerback.
With the criminal charges having been dropped, Baker is now free to sign with any NFL team he’d like and is reportedly drawing some heavy interest early on.
“We have been monitoring all developments in the matter which remains under review of the NFL’s Personal Conduct Policy,” the league said in a statement. “Baker remains subject to discipline based on results of that investigation. At this time, and following [Monday’s] disposition, Baker is eligible to sign with a club.”
Baker says he has no ill will toward the Giants organization and understands his release was strictly business. He also says he would “love” to return to the team.
“If they could have kept me, they would have. It was a business decision and I truly understood it,” Baker told the New York Post. “I would have no problem going back there. Yeah, I’d love to go back to the Giants.”
As Baker enjoyed his first few moments of true freedom in months, he also issued an apology to the Giants organization.
“If I had something to say to the Giants, I would say I apologize for the situation and the bad light I brought on the program, even though I was innocent, I give my apology,” Baker added. “I think they should give me another chance because my last few games with the Giants, I went out and I did pretty well and now I’m bigger, faster, stronger after working out and I’m ready to prove myself again. That’s why they should give me a chance.”
A Giants-Baker reunion is highly unlikely, but don’t be surprised to see the former first-round pick back in the NFL and playing well at some point this season.
