NFL Browns sign CB, lose QB

Gary Baxter was signed from the Ravens, but Kelly Holcomb is going to Buffalo.
CLEVELAND (AP) -- Former Baltimore Ravens cornerback Gary Baxter signed a six-year contract Friday with the Cleveland Browns, who moved quickly to fill one of the biggest holes in their defense.
But a few hours later, quarterback Kelly Holcomb agreed to a four-year deal with the Buffalo Bills to serve as J.P. Losman's backup.
Holcomb accepted the Bills' offer, which includes a $2 million bonus, after growing frustrated in his attempts to re-sign with Cleveland, Holcomb's agent Frank Bauer told The Associated Press.
Holcomb is a nine-year veteran who spent the last four seasons with Cleveland, appearing in 19 games, including 12 as a starter.
Change of plans
Holcomb was initially expected to re-sign with the Browns after the team released starter Jeff Garcia after last season. Talks with Cleveland, however, broke down this week when rookie Browns coach Romeo Crennel suggested he was preparing other plans.
"We didn't feel real comfortable with what's going on in Cleveland," Bauer said. "When someone tells you they want to think about it or revisit it, you better move because there's something burning in the kitchen. ... You never know if you wake up tomorrow morning and suddenly they have a quarterback and you're hung out to dry."
Holcomb's departure leaves Cleveland with two young quarterbacks, Luke McCown and Josh Harris.
The Browns have also spoken with Seattle's Trent Dilfer, who went from Super Bowl-winning quarterback to backup.
Baxter started 16 games at right cornerback for the Ravens last season, getting two sacks and an interception. He left the Ravens as an unrestricted free agent, signing with an AFC Central rival that was only 4-12 last season.
"I like the direction the team is headed, and I'm really looking forward to playing in front of the Dawg Pound," Baxter said.
Good size and attitude
Crennel liked Baxter's size -- 6-foot-2, 204 pounds -- and toughness. Baxter also can play free safety.
"Gary's experience on a dominant defense and the attitude he brings to the game will certainly enhance our efforts on the defensive side of the ball," Crennel said.
Baxter was the Ravens' second-round pick out of Baylor in 2001, and appeared in six games as a rookie.
Baxter started 14 games at cornerback in 2002, getting one interception. He started eight games at free safety and eight at cornerback the next year, switching positions after cornerback Corey Fuller got hurt. He finished third on the team in tackles and had one sack and three interceptions.
Dilfer, who turns 33 on March 13, has started just 12 games during four seasons with Seattle. He's no longer part of the Seahawks' long-term plans after they signed Matt Hasselbeck to a six-year, $49 million contract last month.
Dilfer would be a stopgap measure for the Browns until they find a quarterback of the future. He only has one year left on his contract, so his addition would not prevent the Browns from making other moves.
The Browns also signed punter Kyle Richardson to one-year contract Friday to compete with Derrick Frost, who was inconsistent last season and shanked a critical fourth-quarter punt in a loss at Baltimore.