Ralph Vacchiano | Facebook | Twitter | Archive

DeAndre Baker is still in limbo, both legally and professionally. He's still facing serious charges stemming from an alleged armed robbery in Miramar, Fla., and he's still not welcome to participate in the final days of the Giants' virtual offseason program.

It's possible that the legal system will determine what's next, since Baker's attorney has told SNY that he expects the four counts of armed robbery and four counts of aggravated assault against the Giants cornerback will soon be dropped. But if not, Joe Judge will be facing the first big personnel test of his short head coaching career.

And there are many people watching and wondering what the rookie head coach will do next.

"My standard answer for that will always be: He's currently on our roster and I'm not going to comment on any ongoing legal investigation or legal process," Judge told SNY in an interview earlier this week.

Judge wouldn't even confirm whether he's spoken with the 22-year-old Baker, saying "I'll just keep all that communication between me and him personal." Baker has been in contact with the Giants, according to his attorney, though it's not clear if he's specifically spoken to his head coach.

The 38-year-old Judge actually has two arrested players to deal with now. Kicker Aldrick Rosas was arrested earlier this week for a hit-and-run in Chico, Calif. Judge's interview with SNY took place before Rosas' arrest became public, though his non-answer about Rosas likely would have been the same.

Rosas' situation is actually more precarious. He's coming off a poor season as it is, and though he's signed the $3.3 million tender they offered him as a restricted free agent, it is not guaranteed. That means he could be cut much more easily than Baker, who was the 30th pick of the first round of last year's draft and is only entering the second year of a four-year, $10.5 million deal.

Rosas' next court date is set for early September, which means Judge will likely have to make a decision on him before training camp opens - July 28, unless camp is delayed due to the COVID-19 pandemic. As for Baker, the next move is up to the Broward County, Fla. prosecutor. Currently Baker is free on $200,000 bail and a Florida judge granted him permission to return to New Jersey for training camp.

But whether he's invited by the Giants may depend on whether the case is dropped or not. According to his attorney, that decision is typically made within 30 days after a plea is entered. Baker pled not guilty on May 18 -- which was exactly 30 days ago.

Video: Looking at the first 4 games for the Jets and Giants

Popular in the Community