The Cleveland Browns have announced that the team has terminated the contract of Gary Baxter.

Baxter joined the team as an unrestricted free agent in 2005, after beginning his career with the Ravens as a second-round pick in 2001.

His arrival in Cleveland was clouded by the perception that he reneged on a verbal agreement to stay in Baltimore.  And thus some would contend that karma marred his tenure in Cleveland.  He missed 11 games in 2005 with a torn pectoral muscle, and in 2006 tore patellar tendons in both knees.

Baxter missed all of the 2007 season, and signed a one-year deal in the offseason.  He recently needed arthroscopic surgery on his knee. 

“Last year we were able to hold a roster spot open for Gary as he attempted to make a monumental comeback,” G.M. Phil Savage said in a release.  “After he underwent a knee scope last week, we are unfortunately not in a position to hold a roster spot this year.  We are releasing Gary today in hopes he will be able to continue his rehab and get back into the NFL, either with another team, or possibly with the Browns.  Gary has made tremendous strides thus far and we believe he can play professional football again in the future.”

So in three-plus years as a Brown, Baxter played in eight regular-season games.  In contrast, his time in Baltimore resulted in 54 appearances, and 46 starts.