DeAndre Carter Bio
DeAndre Carter is an American professional football wide receiver and return specialist currently playing for the Cleveland Browns in the National Football League (NFL). Born on April 10, 1993, Carter has built a career marked by versatility and persistence, having been a member of eleven NFL rosters since entering the league in 2015 as an undrafted free agent.
Early Life and Background
DeAndre Carter was born in San Jose, California, and attended Washington High School. He later played college football at Sacramento State, where he majored in communication studies. Carter’s younger brother, Kaylan, tragically passed away in 2013 due to cardiac arrest during a high school football weight training session. This personal loss has been a significant part of Carter’s background.
At Sacramento State, Carter distinguished himself as a wide receiver, earning first-team Football Championship Subdivision (FCS) All-American honors in 2014. His college career was notable for 99 receptions totaling 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns in his final season.
Path to American Football
Despite his impressive college statistics, Carter went undrafted in the 2015 NFL Draft. He signed with the Baltimore Ravens as a free agent, marking the beginning of a professional career characterized by frequent team changes and adaptability. Carter’s early professional years involved practice squad roles and short stints with multiple teams, which helped him gain experience and exposure at the national level.
His persistence paid off as he continued to develop his skills as both a wide receiver and return specialist, roles that would define his NFL career. Carter’s ability to contribute on special teams made him a valuable asset for various franchises.
DeAndre Carter Career
Early Career (2015–2016)
Carter began his NFL journey in 2015, signing with the Baltimore Ravens. Although he showed promise during training camp, he was released before the regular season. He then joined the Oakland Raiders’ practice squad briefly before signing with the New England Patriots’ practice squad later that year. Carter signed a futures contract with the Patriots in early 2016 but was released during final roster cuts before the season started.
San Francisco 49ers and Philadelphia Eagles (2017–2018)
In 2017, Carter signed a two-year contract with the San Francisco 49ers but was waived and moved to the practice squad. He signed a reserve/future contract with the 49ers in 2018 but was waived in May. Later that year, Carter signed with the Philadelphia Eagles, where he made the final roster and recorded his first NFL reception. He also took over return duties during an injury to the team’s regular returner but was waived and re-signed to the practice squad multiple times during the season.
Houston Texans and Chicago Bears (2018–2020)
On November 7, 2018, Carter was claimed off waivers by the Houston Texans. He re-signed with the Texans in March 2020 but was waived in November of that year. Shortly after, Carter was claimed off waivers by the Chicago Bears, where he spent the remainder of the 2020 season, including a brief placement on the reserve/COVID-19 list.
Washington Football Team and Los Angeles Chargers (2021–2022)
Carter signed with the Washington Football Team in April 2021. During the season, he earned NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors after a 101-yard kickoff return touchdown. He also recorded his first career receiving touchdown in Week 8. In 2022, Carter signed with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he contributed with receptions and a touchdown in the season opener.
Las Vegas Raiders and Chicago Bears Return (2023–2024)
In March 2023, Carter signed with the Las Vegas Raiders. The following year, he returned to the Chicago Bears on a one-year contract, continuing to provide veteran presence and special teams expertise.
Cleveland Browns Era (2025–Present)
DeAndre Carter signed a one-year contract with the Cleveland Browns in March 2025. Early in the season, he suffered a knee injury that placed him on injured reserve. Despite this setback, his signing reflects the Browns’ confidence in his abilities as a wide receiver and return specialist.
Driving Style and Strengths
Carter is known for his agility and speed, making him an effective return specialist and slot receiver. His ability to read the field and execute quick decisions has made him valuable on special teams and in offensive schemes requiring versatility. Carter’s experience across multiple teams has honed his adaptability and football IQ.
Notable Events and Milestones
Among Carter’s career highlights is his 101-yard kickoff return touchdown with the Washington Football Team, which earned him NFC Special Teams Player of the Week honors. His first career receiving touchdown also came during his time in Washington, marking important milestones in his professional journey.
DeAndre Carter Career Wins
While individual wins are not typically tracked for wide receivers and return specialists, Carter’s contributions have been integral to team successes across multiple franchises. His role on special teams and as a receiver has supported various victories throughout his career.
Other Wins & Performances
Carter’s college career was distinguished by multiple accolades, including being named a First-team FCS All-American in 2014 and earning First-team All-Big Sky honors twice. These achievements reflect his high level of performance prior to entering the NFL.
DeAndre Carter Family
Family Background and Racing Lineage
DeAndre Carter’s family background includes the tragic loss of his younger brother, Kaylan, who died in 2013 due to cardiac arrest during a football-related training session. This event has been a significant part of Carter’s personal history.
Personal Life
Carter has maintained a relatively private personal life. He majored in communication studies at Sacramento State and has worked as a substitute teacher, demonstrating interests beyond football. There is no public information about a spouse or children.
2025 Season Performance
In 2025, DeAndre Carter joined the Cleveland Browns on a one-year contract. Early in the season, he was placed on injured reserve due to a knee injury sustained in Week 4. Despite the injury, his signing indicates the Browns’ intention to utilize his experience and skills in the return game and as a receiver. The season outlook depends on his recovery and potential contributions upon return.