The Detroit Lions are reportedly signing veteran returner and wide receiver DeAndre Carter to their practice squad, according to NFL Insider Tom Pelissero, potentially giving them another competitive option for their return game.
After losing their primary punt and kick returner, Tom Kennedy, for the season due to a knee (MCL) injury that will require surgery, the Lions need a new starting returner. As our own John Whiticar pointed out in a recent article evaluating potential returner options, the Lions have several solid internal options who are expected to compete for the role—including eight players on the active roster and four on the practice squad—but none have the level of experience that Carter possesses.
Carter went undrafted out of Sacramento State in 2015 and bounced around four different practice squads over his first three seasons in the NFL, before getting his first opportunity with the Eagles and Texans in 2018. Carter stuck in Houston the next two seasons before moving on and making several one-year stops with a variety of teams, including the Bears (twice), Commanders, Chargers, Raiders, and most recently in 2025 with the Browns. Carter is best known for his toughness, quickness, ability to separate, and create yards after the catch (YAC).
Over his eight-year career, Carter has played in 111 games, primarily as a punt and kick returner, and has also registered 21 starts at wide receiver. Carter has returned 155 punts for 1508 return yards (averaging 9.7 yards per punt return) and 144 kick returns for 3399 return yards (averaging 23.6 yards), including a 101-yard touchdown. As a receiver, he has 117 career receptions for 1331 yards and six touchdowns, along with 16 rushes for 99 yards.
The Lions have yet to officially announce this transaction, but they did have an open spot on their practice squad after releasing safety Jalen Mills earlier in the week.