A native of Rolling Hills, California, Baxter attended Palos Verdes Peninsula High School, where he played lineman on both sides of the ball, and was the 2005 CIF Division III Defensive Player of the Year.

Baxter finished his senior season at Arizona with 50 appearances and 49 consecutive starts (first 11 at left guard, before switching to center).

[5] Baxter made his professional debut on September 18, 2011 after Nick Mangold left the game due to an ankle injury.

[6] After Mangold went on the disabled list due to a high ankle sprain, Baxter was named the new starting center for the Jets.

In Week 4 vs. the Baltimore Ravens, Baxter was pulled from the game due to struggles and was replaced by Matt Slauson.