Cribbs seeking contract changes

The return specialist just got an extension that he signed back in 2006 and has five years remaining.

BEREA (AP) — Pro Bowler Joshua Cribbs has made an unexpected return at the Cleveland Browns.

Cribbs, one of the NFL’s premier special teams players who took back two kickoffs and a punt for touchdowns last season, said Tuesday that his agent has asked the club to restructure the six-year contract extension he signed during the 2006 season.

That might be asking a lot since Cribbs, considered the AFC’s top return man, still has five years remaining on the deal, which is worth around $6 million.

Following practice, Cribbs said his agent, Peter Schaffer, has approached the Browns about a new contract. Cribbs recently switched agents after being represented by Andre Colona.

Last season, the 25-year-old Cribbs, who was signed by the Browns as an undrafted free agent out of Kent State in 2005, was the only player to lead his team in kickoff return yards, punt return yards and special teams tackles. His 1,809 yards on kick returns set a franchise record and were the second most in league history.

The breakout season earned him a trip to Hawaii, where he joked with Chicago’s Devin Hester about who is the best returner.

Hester recently signed a reported four-year, $40 million contract, a deal that didn’t go unnoticed by Cribbs.

“I couldn’t help but notice,” Cribbs said with a smile. “I was happy for him. He deserved every bit of it. He’s a great talent and it’s good to see another returner get his pay.”

Cribbs said he doesn’t want to be a distraction to the Browns, who have high expectations after going 10-6 last season and barely missing the playoffs. He’s letting Schaffer handle talks with the Browns’ front office while he prepares for the upcoming season.

“He’s talking to the Browns’ management every day and something will happen,” he said. “If it don’t, I’ll still be out here playing football for the Browns, I know that.”

It’s unlikely the Browns would consider reworking Cribbs’ deal this soon. They’ve already given him the extension through 2012 and they have other players who are a high priority to sign.

Baxter has knee surgery

Safety Gary Baxter, attempting a comeback from two freak knee injuries, underwent arthroscopic knee surgery Tuesday.

Baxter, who tore both patellar tendons on the same play in a 2006 game against Denver, had loose cartilage removed during the procedure at the Cleveland Clinic, coach Romeo Crennel said. It’s the latest setback for Baxter, who sat out all last season while rehabbing and switched from cornerback to safety to try and extend his career.

Crennel gave no timetable on a return date for the 29-year-old Baxter, who has played in just eight games since signing with the Browns as a free agent in 2005