The Chicago Bears have had another active offseason as they look to become a contender in the NFC North. A lot has been made about the arrivals to The Windy City, with Ben Johnson taking over as head coach and Joe Thuney and Jonah Jackson arriving as saviors of the offensive line. But while plenty have come into Halas Hall, there are many who have been departures and are acclimating themselves to their new teams.
One departing player is looking for greener grass with his new team, but is already off to a tough start. His early-season decision has already drawn the ire of his fanbase and it could stir up some early-season drama that Bears fans can watch from afar.
Former Bears WR DeAndre Carter Takes Shedeur Sanders’s Number With Browns
Former Bears wide receiver DeAndre Carter wasn’t in Chicago for a long time, with two stints spanning a total of 17 games. But he has already made an impact with his new team, the Cleveland Browns. The Browns announced their list of jersey numbers for the incoming players this season, and many were surprised when Carter chose to take the No. 2.
This may seem insignificant, but it’s notable considering it’s the number Shedeur Sanders wore at the University of Colorado. Sanders endured a draft day plunge after being projected as a top-five pick in this year’s class, but he was a legend wearing the No. 2 at Colorado, setting the NCAA’s all-time FBS record for completion percentage (71.8%) and throwing for 7,364 yards, 64 touchdowns and 13 interceptions over two seasons.
Those numbers may not have earned the respect of NFL executives that allowed him to fall to the fifth round of the draft. But it did enough for Colorado to retire his number along with his teammate Travis Hunter’s No. 12, who won the Heisman Trophy last season.
Of course, college careers don’t earn respect in the NFL. The Browns probably allowed veterans to choose their number upon their arrival in Cleveland, and Carter chose the No. 2 without thinking twice. But Carter is an NFL journeyman who has never worn that number during his career. He wore No. 11 with the Bears last season, but only caught nine passes for 72 yards over 13 games.
Then again, if Sanders didn’t make multiple mistakes during his pre-draft process, the Browns may have told Carter to take a different number. But it’s a decision that Bears fans can get a good laugh at as a departed player has gotten off on the wrong foot with his new team.