The Chicago Bears made an announcement on Tuesday that they have signed DeAndre Carter as their punt and kick return specialist. This move seems to be in response to the new kickoff rules in the NFL, showing that GM Ryan Poles is getting the team ready for action after opponents score touchdowns.
In the 2023 season, Carter had 11 kick returns with an average of 23.8 yards per return, totaling 262 yards. He also had 24 punt returns with an average of 9.7 yards per return. These stats show that Carter has the potential to make an impact on special teams for the Bears.
The signing of Carter raises questions about the future of Velus Jones Jr. on the team. Jones, a former third-round pick from the 2022 NFL Draft, has struggled to secure a spot in the starting receiving lineup for the Bears. Despite having limited playing time on offense (only 11% of offensive snaps in 2023), Jones has shown promise as a returner, with better averages than Carter in both punt and kick returns.
However, Jones is not the only option for the Bears in the return game. Last season, the team signed Trent Taylor to help with punt returns, adding depth to the position. With Carter now in the mix, the competition for return duties will surely heat up in the upcoming season.
While neither Carter nor Jones have made a significant impact on offense, Carter did manage to put up 538 receiving yards with the Raiders in 2022. His previous experience with the Bears in 2020, where he returned four punts in four games, could also give him an edge in the competition for the returner role.
Overall, the addition of DeAndre Carter to the Bears’ special teams unit brings depth and competition to the return game. It will be interesting to see how this signing plays out in the upcoming season and whether Carter can make a difference for the team on special teams. Stay tuned for more updates on the Bears as they continue to make moves in the offseason.