NFL PLAYER NEWS

Falcons release oft-injured OT Baker

The Sports Xchange

June 15, 2015 at 1:27 pm.

Sam Baker (72) just could not stay healthy with the Falcons. Kirby Lee-USA TODAY Sports

The Atlanta Falcons released former first-round offensive tackle Sam Baker on Monday.

The 6-foot-5, 301-pound Baker missed all of last season after suffering a knee injury in the preseason. He has not returned to the practice field from the injury.

Baker, 30, was originally selected by the Falcons in the first round (21st overall) of the 2008 NFL Draft out of Southern California.

During his six-year career, Baker has played in 70 games, starting 61. He played in just four games during the 2013 season due to another knee injury.

Baker would have counted $7.3 million against the salary cap in 2015 and his release provides a cap savings of $4.5 million. He signed a six-year deal in 2013 worth $41.1 million, with a $10 million signing bonus.

Also on Monday, former Falcons guard Justin Blalock retired.

Blalock, 31, had started 125 games with Atlanta since 2007 but was released this offseason.

“I’d like to sincerely thank the Atlanta Falcons, all my teammates and especially the fans,” he said via Twitter. “I’ve had an unbelievable eight years and only wish I could have helped bring a championship to the ATL.”