Browns Cut Ties With Veteran WR DeAndre Carter in Surprise Move
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The Browns have released wide receiver/return man DeAndre Carter.
The Cleveland Browns are parting ways with veteran wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter.
Carter was informed of his release on Monday evening as the Browns continue trimming their roster to the 53-man limit. Cleveland cut 21 players on Sunday and still has a final round of moves to get its roster game-day ready. Jordan Schultz first reported Carter’s release.
Undrafted out of Sacramento State in 2015, Carter carved out a role as a dependable return man and depth receiver across eight NFL seasons. He has suited up for the Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Las Vegas Raiders, averaging 22.4 yards per kickoff return with one touchdown and 9.8 yards per punt return in his career.
Last season, Carter appeared in nine games for the Bears, posting nine receptions for 72 yards before a hamstring injury ended his campaign. His best year came in 2022 with the Chargers, when he set career highs with 46 catches for 538 yards and three touchdowns.
Carter handled return duties in the Browns’ preseason “dress rehearsal” against the Rams, but the team now appears ready to go younger at the position, with rookie Gage Larvadain likely stepping into the role.
Gage Larvadain Made Impression With Browns
Larvadain was signed as an undrafted free agent but has quickly made his mark with the Browns.
“Gage has just been so solid. He has. He’s brought the juice. He’s had the ‘it’ factor, and he’s been extremely consistent,” Browns insider Mary Kay Cabot recently said of Larvadain on the “Orange and Brown Talk” podcast. “He catches the ball. He’s where he’s supposed to be. He’s at the right time, at the right place, and he’s making the plays.”
He made nine catches on 17 targets in the preseason, collecting 94 yards and a touchdown. Larvadain also served as an option on gadget plays rushing the ball and can step in as a return man.
“A lot to sort out, but really pleased with Gage and all of those young guys in that room and really in all those rooms. All of them did what we asked them to do, constantly were in the building getting better,” Browns coach Kevin Stefanski said after the final preseason game. “He’s an example of a young man that knows what to do, can line up everywhere and performs both in practice and in the games.”
Diontae Johnson May Hang Onto Roster Spot With Browns
The Browns’ wide receiver room is expected to feature Jerry Jeudy, Cedric Tillman, Jamari Thrash, Isaiah Bond, Diontae Johnson and Larvadain.
The biggest question mark in that group is Johnson, a former Pro Bowler who failed to impress during training camp and the preseason. Still, Cleveland may be betting on his experience to balance out what is otherwise a very young unit.
Johnson joined the Browns on a veteran-minimum deal with no guarantees, making him a low-risk option. He’s coming off a rocky 2024 campaign that saw him tally 33 catches for 375 yards and three touchdowns across 12 games with three different teams.
Over his six-year career, Johnson has been productive, recording 424 receptions for 4,738 yards and 28 scores.
