McCloughan made it an emphasis this offseason to re-sign key players and keep the team’s core intact. Baker, 28, showed his value during a breakout season in 2016. He recorded career highs in sacks (six), forced fumbles (three) and total tackles (53) in 16 games. On top of his improved play, the former undrafted free agent has a bubbly personality that has helped create a hospitable atmosphere in the locker room.

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This year, Baker is entering the final season of a three-year, $9 million deal. The fifth-year veteran will receive another opportunity to obtain a multiyear contract, and he would like to get something done with the Redskins before the season.

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“It’s pretty important,” Baker said following the team’s second offseason practice on Wednesday. “I’d love to get some financial security and be here for years to come, but I’ve just got to let that take care of itself and just continue to do what I’ve always done — work hard and just let the business take care of business.”

The team’s main priority has been to get a long-term deal done with quarterback Kirk Cousins after signing cornerback Josh Norman in free agency and giving tight end Jordan Reed a contract extension. Whether Cousins plays on the franchise tag or agrees to a contract, the Redskins should have enough money to re-sign Baker later this summer unless they want to wait until after the season.

Baker’s performance last year could make him arguably the most valuable player on the defensive line this year after the team moved on from Terrance Knighton, Baker’s childhood friend, and Jason Hatcher. The Redskins didn’t make a significant upgrade for a unit that lacked consistency, and there will be some competition during training camp to figure out how it will look heading into the season.

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“I think you talk about a big splash and a high-paid free agent, but I think we made some splashes,” Redskins Coach Jay Gruden said. “We added Ziggy Hood and Kendall Reyes. These are guys we are going to add to the mix. We have Stephen Paea coming off of injury, we have Baker coming back, Ricky [Jean Francois] and Matt Ioannidis coming back as well. We are moving Trent Murphy in there, so we got some big players in there that can compete and play. There’s no question about it that I’m not too worried about that.”