Seahawks sign eight-year NFL veteran Chris Baker as backup tight end

A second tight end isn't exactly the first thing the Seattle Seahawks were expected to look for in free agency.

But a No. 2 tight end is what Seattle added Saturday, reaching an agreement with Chris Baker. He is the first player to agree to contract terms with Seattle since the free-agent signing period began March 5.

Baker, 30, is an eight-year NFL veteran, who played last season for New England. He caught 14 passes in 2009 and was released March 4, just before free agency began. Baker played seven seasons for the New York Jets from 2002-2008 after being chosen in the third round out of Michigan State. He caught a career-high 41 passes for the Jets in 2007.

Seattle's agreement with Baker came one day after the Seahawks lost out on Ben Watson, who signed with Cleveland on Friday.

Baker's deal will be for two years for $4.75 million, with more than half to be paid in the first year according to ESPN, which first reported the agreement. The Seahawks did not announce any transactions Saturday.

The Seahawks already have a starting tight end in John Carlson, who led Seattle with 55 catches as a rookie in 2008. Carlson caught 51 passes last season. Baker is 258 pounds, and his addition could give Seattle flexibility in the way Carlson is used in various formations.

Jeremy Bates, Seattle's new offensive coordinator, used formations with two tight ends frequently in Denver in 2008 when he was the passing-game coordinator. Two of Denver's top five receivers that season were tight ends Tony Scheffler, who caught 40 passes, and Daniel Graham, who had 32 receptions.

Seattle also has John Owens and Cameron Morrah, a seventh-round draft pick in 2009, on the roster.

The addition of Baker will be just the first of many changes to the offense. Seattle has hosted running back Mike Bell for a visit, and is looking to add a veteran quarterback. The Seahawks already hosted both Derek Anderson, former Cleveland starter, and Charlie Whitehurst, a restricted free agent from San Diego.

Wide receiver Brandon Marshall also remains a possibility, though he is a restricted free agent so his addition would require compensation to the Broncos.

Danny O'Neil: 206-464-2364 or doneil@seattletimes.com