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Roster Move: Bears sign WR/KR DeAndre Carter

Jun 18, 2024 at 10:15 AM

Larry Mayer

Senior Writer

The Bears on Tuesday signed veteran receiver/return specialist DeAndre Carter to a one-year contract.

Carter, 31, appeared in four games with the Bears in 2020. He has played a total of 94 NFL contests with 21 starts over six seasons, also suiting up for the Eagles (2018), Texans (2018-20), Commanders (2021), Chargers (2022) and Raiders (2023). He has caught 108 passes for 1,259 yards and six touchdowns, averaged 22.4 yards with one TD on 118 kickoff returns and averaged 9.8 yards on 132 punt returns.

His most productive season on offense came in 2022 with the Chargers. Carter established career highs with 46 receptions and 538 yards and matched a career high with three touchdown catches.

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The 5-8, 190-pounder entered the NFL in 2015 as an undrafted free agent with the Ravens and also spent time with the Raiders (2015), Patriots (2015-16) and 49ers (2017-18) before playing in his first regular-season game with the Eagles in 2018.

Carter and other kickoff returners are expected to make a bigger impact this season after the NFL dramatically altered its kickoff rules on a one-year trial basis to encourage more returns.

The ball will be kicked off from the 35-yard line as in the past. But 10 players from the kicking team will line up at the opposing 40. Nine players from the receiving team will stand between their own 30-35, with two returners inside their own 20. No one except the kicker and returners can move before the ball is touched by a player or lands on the ground between the goal line and 20, an area that will be known as the "landing zone." In addition, kickers cannot cross the 50.

Kicks that hit in the landing zone and roll into the end zone can be returned or downed for a touchback with the ball placed at the 20. Kicks that land in the end zone and are downed or roll out of the end zone will be ruled a touchback with the ball put at the 30.