NFL free agency has been slow for the Browns roster additions but DeAndre Carter should help the return game
As the stadium drama goes from personal to a boil in one day, the Cleveland Browns still have a roster to fill out and a franchise to turn around on the field. QB Cam Ward was seen on video seemingly excited about “Cleveland” while many wonder why the Browns have been so limited in their action so far in NFL free agency.
We still don’t have a feel for the direction Cleveland will go in the upcoming NFL draft but owner Jimmy Haslam may play a big role in that. Free agency continues into its second week with offensive tackles still available that could help but a seemingly inactive front office.
With all the stadium talk grabbing the headlines, GM Andrew Berry hit pause on the inactivity talk, reportedly agreeing to a deal with WR/KR DeAndre Carter:
Sources: The #Browns are signing WR and return specialist DeAndre Carter to a 1-year deal. He gets nearly $800K guaranteed.
The 10-year veteran spent last year in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/CUiJ28jjFp
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 19, 2025
Carter joins a long line of return specialists that the Browns have tried to bring in. The last three (JoJo Natson, Jakeem Grant and Nyheim Hines) all were lost due to injuries before they could make an impact on the team.
An undrafted free agent, Carter entered the league in 2018 and will be joining his seventh team in his 10 seasons. In total, Carter has 117 receptions for 1,331 yards with six touchdowns. He’s also rushed the ball 16 times for 99 yards.
As a returner, his primary role, Carter has brought back 149 punts and 133 kicks. He’s averaged almost 10 yards a punt return and over 23 yards returning kicks including one touchdown.
James Proche II, Jaelon Darden, Pierre Strong and Jerome Ford were Cleveland’s primary returners last season.