A year and a day after tearing both patellar tendons, the Browns finally shut down Gary Baxter, conceding that his miracle comeback won’t happen this year. Phil Savage’s loyalty to the veteran defensive back, one of his first free agent signees in 2005, may have been responsible for Baxter being cleared to practice in the summer, making him ineligible for the PUP list.
At final cutdowns, the Browns still hoped Baxter could play some time soon. Thus, he occupied one of the team’s 53 roster spots for the first six games despite being unfit for duty. At the bye week, it was high time to decide whether Baxter could suit up or should go on injured reserve for the season.
I admire Baxter’s determination to resume his career and wish him only the best as he continues his rehabilitation. As a player, he could conceivably provide veteran leadership at safety next season. As a person, his heart and class remain assets to the team.
That said, his $30 million contract remains something of an albatross. If there remains serious doubt as to whether he can help stabilize this pitiful defense in ’08, Savage would be well advised to release Baxter while the prorated portion of his $10.5 million signing bonus can accelerate into the current salary cap year, where the Browns seemingly still have plenty of leeway. That (plus not paying his scheduled salary) would free up an estimated $5.25 million to spur free agent signings next spring. (Why the NFLPA’s salary database shows nothing after this season for Baxter is beyond me.)
As for the here and now, the Browns did not immediately fill Baxter’s roster spot, leaving the impression that they are considering external options rather than a practice squad promotion. Might it be a waiver claim on veteran nose tackle Grady Jackson? I can’t think of anyone on the market at this late date better positioned to help the Browns immediately, and he would be a relatively low-cost gap-plugger. Ted Washington wouldn’t like it, but when’s the last time he smiled anyway — or did anything worth smiling about?
