Former Chicago Bears wide receiver DeAndre Carter has found a new opportunity after the first wave of NFL free agency. On Wednesday, Jordan Schultz of FOX Sports reported that Carter signed a one-year deal with the Cleveland Browns.
Sources: The #Browns are signing WR and return specialist DeAndre Carter to a 1-year deal. He gets nearly $800K guaranteed.
— Jordan Schultz (@Schultz_Report) March 19, 2025
The 10-year veteran spent last year in Chicago. pic.twitter.com/CUiJ28jjFp
Schultz adds the veteran return specialist will get nearly $800K guaranteed. The 10-year vet spent the 2024 season with the Bears. Carter didn’t see much time on offense as he had nine receptions (14 targets) for 72 yards and only played 16 percent of snaps.
However, the veteran was utilized more on punt and kick returns for the Bears. Carter averaged 9.3 yards per punt return and a career-high 31.9 yards per kick return.
The veteran special teamer was ranked ninth last season in kick return yards (479) and fifth in punt and kick return yards (637). Among active players, Carter is ranked fourth in kick return yards (3,125), third in punt return yards (1,452), and second in kick and punt return yards combined (4,577).
The writing was on the wall for Carter as the Bears signed veteran wide receiver/returner Devin Duvernay to a one-year deal on Wednesday. Duvernay is three years younger (27) than Carter and has two career kick return touchdowns.
The #Bears are signing former All-Pro returner Devin Duvernay to a 1-year deal, per @Schultz_Report. He was last with Jacksonville. pic.twitter.com/L8SdGrcEP4
— Ari Meirov (@MySportsUpdate) March 19, 2025
Duvernay is also a better wide receiver than Carter, which he showed in his three years in the NFL with the Baltimore Ravens. However, the former Ravens wide receiver couldn’t make a huge impact on special teams on offense last season with the Jacksonville Jaguars.
Last season with the Jaguars, Duvernay only had 11 receptions (16 targets) for 79 yards. As a return specialist, he averaged 8.8 yards per punt return and 25.1 yards per kick return. The Jags cut ties with Duvernay earlier this month after signing a two-year, $8.5 million contract last year.
Nevertheless, the Bears hope they won't regret letting Carter after the veteran showed he still has something left in the tank.