The Washington Redskins announced June 2 they have signed veteran tight end Fred Baxter. Terms of the contract were not disclosed. Baxter is an experienced and proven veteran that provides excellent blocking skills and depth to the Redskins offense.

Baxter, 6-3 and 268 pounds, is a 12-year NFL veteran who has appeared in 134 games with 50 starts. He has recorded 100 receptions for 1,008 yards and 12 touchdowns during his time with the New York Jets (1993-99), Chicago Bears (2001-02) and New England Patriots (2002-03). He entered the league as a fifth round draft choice (115th overall) by the Jets in 1993.

Baxter is also a proven special teams performer, collecting 51 career stops and earning the Jets' special teams MVP honors in 1996 when he led the team with 18 tackles. His blocking skills have paved the way for six 1,000-yard rushers during his career, most recently Curtis Martin with the Jets (1998-99) and Anthony Thomas for the Bears (2001).

For the past two seasons, Baxter served as a reliable back-up and special teams contributor for the Patriots. While playing for the Bears in 2001, he started 14 games and posted 22 catches for 148 yards and two touchdowns. He had his most productive season as a pro in 1997 with the Jets, catching 27 passes for 276 yards and three touchdowns.

At Auburn, Baxter caught 57 passes for 767 yards and three touchdowns from 1990-92.