Kawaan Baker's likely uphill climb to make the Saints' roster appears to have just gotten even steeper, now with a suspension looming.
Baker will be suspended six games beginning in the 2022 season due to a violation of the league's performance-enhancing drug policy.
Baker will be eligible to participate in preseason games and practices, but would not be allowed to return to the team's active roster during the regular season until Monday, Oct. 17.
The 23-year-old was a 7th-round selection out of South Alabama in the 2021 draft, and has been an active practice participant, though he's yet to see time on an NFL roster. Baker was a member of the team's practice squad throughout the 2021 season.
The suspension marks the second consecutive season the Saints have had news of a PED violation during the offseason, with DT David Onyemata serving a 6-game suspension to start the 2021 season. The team is also operating with a potential suspension looming for star running back Alvin Kamara, though the timeline of when that might come down remains murky at best.
