The Indianapolis Colts released a Week 1 starter from last season to make way for a new defensive back

The Indianapolis Colts finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. But they've already altered it with their most recent roster move. The team claimed former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack III off waivers. To make room for him, they announced they had waived CB Darrell Baker Jr.  Darrel Baker Jr.  In 2022, Baker Jr. made […]

Destin Adams NFL News Writer
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Nov 5, 2023; Charlotte, North Carolina, USA; Indianapolis Colts cornerback Darrell Baker Jr. (39) reacts to a pick six by cornerback Kenny Moore II (23) against the Carolina Panthers during the second half at Bank of America Stadium.
Jim Dedmon-USA TODAY Sports

The Indianapolis Colts finalized their initial 53-man roster on Tuesday. But they've already altered it with their most recent roster move. 

The team claimed former San Francisco 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack III off waivers. To make room for him, they announced they had waived CB Darrell Baker Jr. 


Darrel Baker Jr. 

In 2022, Baker Jr. made his regular season debut after being elevated to the Colts active roster for three games. He was a huge winner during the team's 2023 training camp. He went from expected battling for a roster spot to being named the team's Week 1 starter in what seemed like a blink of an eye. Unfortunately, the season wouldn't go as planned, with Baker Jr.'s poor play getting him benched. He went on to start six games for the team and recorded 35 total tackles and seven pass deflections. 

Samuel Womack III

August 19, 2023; Santa Clara, California, USA; San Francisco 49ers cornerback Samuel Womack III (0) before the game against the Denver Broncos at Levi's Stadium.
Kyle Terada-USA TODAY Sports

The 49ers drafted Womack with the 172nd pick in the fifth round of the 2022 NFL Draft. Over the last two seasons, he appeared in 23 games and recorded one interception, two pass deflections, and 26 total tackles. He has experience playing out of the slot, but his main role with the 49ers was as a special teams ace. He will now join the Colts roster as one of the only backup slot options behind starter Kenny Moore II. And I expect he will find himself as a day on contributor on special teams.