The Cleveland Browns are revamping their return game with a new addition to the team. Veteran wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter has inked a one-year contract as the Browns look to bolster a unit that struggled with returns last season. Carter, who has a history of contributing significantly in the return game, is expected to bring his considerable experience to a team that ranked low in kickoff return averages during the 2024 season.
Prior to joining the Browns, Carter's career stats include averaging 23.5 yards on 133 kickoff returns with a touchdown and 9.7 yards on 149 punt returns, as detailed by Cleveland Browns. His tenure in the NFL has been marked by frequent team changes. He notably played for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and the Las Vegas Raiders. However, lingering injuries have been an issue, as he suffered a hamstring injury in Week 14 which placed him on injured reserve in December 2024.
During his stint with the Chicago Bears last season, Carter ranked fifth in the NFL with 637 total return yards despite missing four games due to the aforementioned injury. These numbers illustrate Carter's ability to rack up yardage even in a limited number of appearances and reflect the potential value he could bring to the Browns' special teams. The information was confirmed by Cleveland19, highlighting Carter's impact in the kicking game.
"Carter looks to help a Cleveland Browns return unit that ranked 30th in the NFL in kickoff return average and 11th in punt return average," according to a report by WKYC. This move signifies the team's intention to shore up a weakness from the previous season and provide additional support in both the returning and receiving aspects of the game. Carter's extensive career as a specialist might just be the spark the Browns are looking to integrate into their team's dynamic.
With the NFL Draft looming just a weeks away, the signing of Carter could be seen as a strategic move by the Browns for more immediate impact while they assess future talent to build the team. The Browns' efforts to retool their roster indicate that they are not content with underperforming areas and are actively seeking veterans to help turn those numbers around for the coming season.
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