With organized team activities and mandatory minicamp wrapping up across the league this week, the Chicago Bears and the rest of the NFL will now shift their attention towards training camp next month.
Training camp is the next stage in preparation for the regular season, and it's the most important part for players trying to win starting jobs on their new teams or make the 53-man roster. Former Bears wide receiver DeAndre Carter fits into both categories heading into next month.
The former Bears receiver and return specialist signed a one-year, $1.42 million contract with the Cleveland Browns earlier this offseason.
For Carter, it's a perfect opportunity for him as the Browns' wide receiver room leaves a lot to be desired. And he could also be a fixture in the return game for Cleveland this season.
Last year with the Bears, Carter had nine receptions (14 targets) for 72 yards, as he spent most of his time on special teams. The veteran wideout averaged 31.9 yards per kick return and 9.3 yards per punt return.
While a fresh start was needed, Carter's outlook isn't as promising as it was at the start of the offseason.
Former Bears WR/KR DeAndre Carter Could Be Kicked to Curb by Browns
Much to Carter's dismay, the Browns added another receiver to the fold last month, signing veteran Diontae Johnson to a one-year deal for the veteran’s minimum. Johnson is coming off a tumultuous 2024 season, playing for three different teams.
The veteran wide receiver likely knows this is his last chance and can’t mess it up. If he plays up to his potential, which we saw for many years in Pittsburgh, it could put Carter on the roster bubble.
And not to mention, young guys like Jamari Thrash (second-year wideout) and David Bell (former 2022 third-round pick) are looking to prove themselves. It might be an uphill climb for Carter to fight for snaps at wide receiver.
Therefore, Carter's best option might be to make the 53-man roster as a return specialist. However, the Browns have solid choices to pick from. In addition to him, Cleveland also has veteran running backs Jerome Ford and Pierre Strong Jr., who both returned balls last season.
In 2024, Ford averaged 25.9 yards per kick return. The veteran could see an expanded role on special teams, given the Browns' addition at RB in the draft. The same thing could be said for Strong, who averaged 23.2 yards per kick return last season.
From a high-level view, things don’t look good for the former Bear as he could be a potential cut candidate later this summer. Time will tell if Carter can change the narrative about himself during training camp and the preseason.