Who Should I Start? Deandre Carter or Collin Johnson

Thursday, March 20, 1:07 PM

The Cleveland Browns signed free-agent wide receiver and return specialist DeAndre Carter (hamstring) to a one-year deal for nearly $800,000 guaranteed on Wednesday, sources told FOX Sports' Jordan Schultz. Carter will head to the AFC North in 2025 after spending the 2024 campaign with the Chicago Bears, where he caught only nine of 14 targets for 72 yards and no touchdowns on offense over 13 games (no starts). The 31-year-old will most likely be more of an asset to the Browns on special teams as a kick returner than he will be on offense, as he hasn't had more than 46 catches, 538 yards or three touchdowns in a single season during his seven NFL seasons. Carter missed the final four games last year with a hamstring injury but should be good to go for training camp this summer. He had 17 punt returns for 158 yards and 15 kickoff returns for 479 yards for the Bears in 2024.

Saturday, September 14, 3:00 PM

With wide receivers Keenan Allen (heel) and Rome Odunze (knee) listed as questionable for Sunday night's game in Houston, the Chicago Bears have elevated wide receiver Collin Johnson from their practice squad. Johnson, who was released by the Giants during final cuts in 2023, was signed to the Bears' practice squad on October 10th and was later promoted to the active roster. He played 40 snaps over the last three games of the season, catching one pass for 11 yards. Johnson showcased his potential during the preseason, recording three catches for 53 yards and two touchdowns in the Hall of Fame Game against the Texans on August 1. Despite this, he did not play in the subsequent three preseason games due to injury and failed to make the Bears' 53-man roster. If Allen or Odunze are unable to play, the Bears will miss the size and physicality that Johnson, standing 6'6" and weighing 222 pounds, can provide. Johnson has had more time to learn the offense and could fill that gap. While he doesn't need to be rostered in fantasy leagues at this time, he could be a useful emergency fill-in if both Allen and Odunze are sidelined.