DeAndre Carter has become one of the most reliable special teams players in the NFL, proving that hard work and determination can overcome any obstacle. The 32-year-old wide receiver and return specialist currently plays for the Cleveland Browns, but his path to professional football wasn’t easy.
Carter went undrafted from Sacramento State, and his early NFL career was marked by brief stints with multiple teams. During one particularly challenging period, he even worked as a substitute teacher while continuing to pursue his NFL dreams.
DeAndre Carter’s Biography
| Category | Details |
|---|---|
| Full Name | DeAndre Carter |
| Date of Birth | April 10, 1993 |
| Age | 32 years old |
| Education | Sacramento State University |
| Nationality | American |
| Height | 5 feet 8 inches (1.73 m) |
| Weight | 190 pounds (86 kg) |
| Turned Pro | 2015 (Undrafted) |
| Net Worth | Estimated $2-3 million |
| Career Earnings | $7.1 million |
| Wife/Husband | N/A |
| Instagram Profile | N/A |
| Twitter Profile | N/A |
Early Career
DeAndre Carter’s football journey began in San Jose, California, where he was born and raised. He attended Washington High School in Fremont, California, where he made his mark as a standout player.
Carter was named third team all-state, first team all-East Bay, and earned the Mission Valley Athletic League Offensive Player of the Year award as a senior. His high school statistics were impressive, with 69 catches for 1,093 yards and 15 touchdowns, plus 380 rushing yards and eight touchdowns.
The tragedy that shaped Carter’s determination occurred during his high school years when his younger brother Kaylan passed away from cardiac arrest at age 17. This devastating loss became Carter’s motivation to pursue his NFL dreams.
He made a promise to his brother that he would fulfill both of their dreams, and this promise has driven him throughout his career. Carter dedicates every game to his late brother and points to the sky after every touchdown he scores.
After high school, Carter enrolled at Sacramento State University, where he would spend four years developing his skills and establishing himself as one of the top receivers in the Football Championship Subdivision. His college career would prove to be the foundation for his eventual NFL success.
Professional Career
Carter’s professional career began when he signed with the Baltimore Ravens as an undrafted free agent. His journey has been marked by perseverance and adaptability, as he’s been a member of eleven different NFL rosters throughout his career.
After being waived by Baltimore, Carter had brief stints with the Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, and San Francisco 49ers before finding more stable opportunities.
His breakthrough came with the Philadelphia Eagles in 2018, where he began to establish himself as a reliable receiver and return specialist. Carter then joined the Houston Texans, where he spent parts of three seasons and really began to showcase his skills.
His career reached new heights with the Washington Commanders in 2021, where he caught 24 passes for 296 yards and three touchdowns.
Carter’s most productive season came in 2022 with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he posted career highs with 46 receptions for 538 yards and three touchdowns. During his time with the Chargers, Carter was praised by head coach Brandon Staley as “a coach’s dream” for his work ethic and versatility.
After spending 2023 with the Las Vegas Raiders and 2024 with the Chicago Bears, Carter signed with the Cleveland Browns in March 2025, continuing his NFL journey.
DeAndre Carter’s Net Worth Details
As of 2026, DeAndre Carter’s net worth is estimated to be between $2-3 million.
Contract
Carter’s current contract with the Cleveland Browns is a one-year deal worth $1,422,500, signed in March 2025. The contract includes a $167,500 signing bonus and $767,500 guaranteed money.
This deal demonstrates the Browns’ confidence in Carter’s abilities as both a receiver and return specialist. His contract carries a cap hit of $1,197,500, representing 0.43% of the team’s salary cap.
Salary
For the 2025 season, Carter will earn a base salary of $1,255,000 plus his signing bonus. His salary progression has been steady throughout his career, starting from practice squad wages in his early years to consistent million-dollar contracts in recent seasons.
Carter’s 2024 salary with the Chicago Bears was $1,200,000, while his 2023 contract with the Las Vegas Raiders was worth $1,500,000.
Career Earnings
| Year | Team | Base Salary | Signing Bonus | Total Earnings |
|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Baltimore Ravens | $19,800 | $7,500 | $27,300 |
| 2017 | San Francisco 49ers | $122,400 | $0 | $122,400 |
| 2018 | Houston Texans | $225,880 | $169,410 | $395,290 |
| 2019 | Houston Texans | $570,000 | $0 | $570,000 |
| 2020 | Chicago Bears | $308,826 | $441,180 | $749,968 |
| 2021 | Washington Commanders | $920,000 | $50,000 | $970,000 |
| 2022 | Los Angeles Chargers | $1,035,000 | $100,000 | $1,135,000 |
| 2023 | Las Vegas Raiders | $1,080,000 | $175,000 | $1,255,000 |
| 2024 | Chicago Bears | $1,125,000 | $75,000 | $1,200,000 |
| 2025 | Cleveland Browns | $1,255,000 | $167,500 | $1,422,500 |
Career Statistics
| Season | Team | Games | Receptions | Receiving Yards | Touchdowns | Punt Returns | Kick Returns |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2015 | Baltimore | 2 | 5 | 67 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2016 | New England | 3 | 4 | 26 | 1 | 0 | 0 |
| 2017 | San Francisco | 3 | 3 | 9 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Philadelphia | 4 | 10 | 178 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2018 | Houston | 14 | 22 | 216 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2019 | Houston | 16 | 11 | 162 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2020 | Chicago | 13 | 1 | 8 | 0 | 0 | 0 |
| 2021 | Washington | 17 | 24 | 296 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2022 | Los Angeles | 17 | 46 | 538 | 3 | 0 | 0 |
| 2023 | Las Vegas | 17 | 4 | 39 | 0 | 24 | 11 |
| 2024 | Chicago | 13 | 9 | 72 | 0 | 17 | 15 |
| Career | Multiple | 119 | 139 | 1,611 | 7 | 41 | 26 |
FAQs
1. What teams has DeAndre Carter played for in the NFL?
Carter has played for eleven different NFL teams throughout his career, including the Baltimore Ravens, Oakland Raiders, New England Patriots, San Francisco 49ers, Philadelphia Eagles, Houston Texans, Chicago Bears, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, Las Vegas Raiders, and currently the Cleveland Browns. His ability to contribute to multiple teams showcases his versatility and reliability as a player.
2. How much does DeAndre Carter make per year?
Carter’s salary varies by contract, but his current deal with the Cleveland Browns pays him $1,255,000 in base salary plus a $167,500 signing bonus for the 2025 season. His annual earnings have consistently been over $1 million since 2021, reflecting his value as both a receiver and special teams contributor.
3. What is DeAndre Carter’s best season statistically?
Carter’s most productive season was 2022 with the Los Angeles Chargers, where he recorded career highs with 46 receptions for 538 yards and three touchdowns. This season demonstrated his ability to be a significant contributor in the passing game while maintaining his special teams responsibilities.
4. Did DeAndre Carter really work as a substitute teacher?
Yes, Carter worked as a substitute teacher at Martin Luther King Jr. Middle School in Hayward, California, after being cut by the New England Patriots in 2016. He earned $150 per day while continuing to train for his NFL comeback, showing his dedication to both education and his football dreams.
5. What college did DeAndre Carter attend and what were his achievements?
Carter attended Sacramento State University from 2011 to 2014, where he was named a first-team Football Championship Subdivision All-American. He recorded 99 receptions for 1,321 yards and 17 touchdowns in his senior season, establishing himself as one of the top receivers in the FCS division.
