Baker, Dunbar on paid leave amid armed robbery cases

New York Giants cornerback DeAndre Baker and Seattle Seahawks cornerback Quinton Dunbar, who face armed robbery charges, were placed on the commissioner's exempt list Monday.

Neither player will be eligible to practice or play while on the list, but both will be paid. Baker will appeal the decision, his attorney told Paul Schwartz of the New York Post, while the Seahawks simply acknowledged the development.

Baker and Dunbar were each charged with four counts of armed robbery with a firearm in May after they allegedly took money and valuables from people at a party in Miramar, Florida. Baker also faces four counts of aggravated assault with a firearm. He's accused of pointing a gun at partygoers and directing two other men - one of whom was allegedly Dunbar - to collect attendees' possessions.

Attorneys for each player maintained their clients' innocence, citing statements from witnesses. Police evidence later implicated Baker and Dunbar in a payoff scheme.

Baker, a first-round pick of the Giants in 2019, struggled in his rookie season, conceding 834 yards and eight touchdowns in coverage.

Dunbar is coming off a better season in Washington, as he gave up only 344 yards and two touchdowns. He requested a trade early in the offseason and was eventually shipped to Seattle for a fifth-round pick, which Washington used on linebacker Khaleke Hudson.