Giants corner Deandre Baker on Commissioner’s Exempt List following offseason arrest

New York Giants cornerback Deandre Baker was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Monday, months after he was arrested for armed robbery.

After being arrested and charged with four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm in May, New York Giants cornerback Deandre Baker was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt List on Monday, putting his status for the 2020 season in doubt.

Ian Rapoport confirmed the news via Twitter, with Baker now prohibited from practicing or playing, although he can attend team meetings and be at the facility. Per NBC Sports, a player on the Commissioner’s Exempt List does not count against the 53-man roster, but the Giants will still pay his salary.

Former players to receive the same designation include Adrian Peterson, Ray Rice, and Antonio Brown and Seattle Seahawks defensive back Quinton Dunbar received the same fate. Dunbar was charged alongside Baker for the same crimes, with the two apparently working in tandem, and was placed on the Commissioner’s Exempt list as well.

Baker, a first-round pick just a year ago, could see his NFL career end after an abysmal rookie season. If the second-year corner is convicted, he could face up to life in prison under Florida law. While his play left much to be desired in 2019, the Giants need secondary help, and a first-round pick essentially wasted is not a recipe for success in the NFL.

According to Albert Breer, the move is likely just the NFL’s means of extending its investigation, with both players still getting paid in 2020 under league rules.

While the league is still investigating, the NFL’s punishment is probably the least of Baker’s concerns. The 22-year-old still faces serious legal repercussions, and the Giants could choose to move on from him as well. There is a significant chance that his NFL career will be over before it really even began.