Cleveland Brown Wide Receiver DeAndre Carter Has Been Officially Banned And Suspended From Football Activities By NFL officials AS He Was Tested And Found Positive Of…
In a significant blow to the Cleveland Browns’ roster and a stunning development for fans, wide receiver DeAndre Carter has been officially suspended and banned from all football activities by the NFL, following a positive test for a banned substance, league officials confirmed on Tuesday.
According to a statement released by the NFL’s disciplinary office, Carter violated the league’s Policy on Performance-Enhancing Substances after a routine offseason drug screening revealed the presence of an undisclosed banned substance in his system. The league has handed down an indefinite suspension, pending further investigation and a mandatory appeal process.
“The NFL is committed to maintaining the integrity of the game and the health and safety of its athletes,” the league’s statement read. “Mr. Carter has been notified of his rights to appeal the decision and will be subject to re-evaluation pending league protocols.”
The Browns organization also released a brief response Tuesday afternoon:
“We are aware of the NFL’s decision regarding DeAndre Carter and are currently gathering more information. We fully support the league’s commitment to enforcing its policies and will refrain from further comment until the process is complete.”
A Key Offseason Acquisition in Limbo
Carter, 31, joined the Cleveland Browns in early 2025 as a seasoned veteran known for his versatility, speed, and reliability as both a wide receiver and kick returner. He was expected to play a significant role in the upcoming season, providing depth to a wide receiver corps led by Amari Cooper and Elijah Moore.
During spring training and minicamps, Carter had reportedly impressed coaches with his conditioning and professionalism. His unexpected suspension now leaves a void in the Browns’ special teams unit and could force the team to make adjustments just weeks before the start of training camp.
First-year Browns head coach Jerod Mayo, who took over leadership of the team this offseason, expressed disappointment but offered a measured response.
“This is obviously not the kind of headline any of us wanted,” Mayo said. “We have a high standard here in Cleveland, and every player is responsible for their choices. That said, we’re going to continue to focus on building a disciplined and accountable team.”
The Substance and Sanction
While the NFL has not publicly named the specific substance found in Carter’s system, sources close to the league have confirmed it falls under the performance-enhancing category, not recreational drug use. That distinction is critical, as the penalties for PEDs are significantly more severe under the current Collective Bargaining Agreement (CBA).
If the indefinite ban is upheld, Carter could face a minimum one-year suspension, with reinstatement subject to league approval and additional testing protocols.
This is Carter’s first known violation of league substance policies in his NFL career, which spans stints with the Houston Texans, Philadelphia Eagles, Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and most recently, the Browns.
Reactions From Around the League
News of Carter’s suspension quickly circulated across social media and drew mixed reactions from fans and former players.
Former Browns wide receiver Andrew Hawkins tweeted, “Tough break for DeAndre Carter. He’s a solid vet, great locker room guy. Hope he gets the support he needs and comes back clean.”
NFL analyst Ian Rapoport noted, “The league takes PED violations seriously, and the indefinite nature of this suspension reflects that. There’s more to come as the appeals process plays out.”
Fans in Cleveland expressed frustration, with many citing the importance of discipline in a team trying to build momentum after a middling 2024 season.
“It’s frustrating to see this kind of thing happen, especially with a player who was brought in to be a steady hand,” said longtime Browns fan Marcus Ellison. “But at the same time, we have to let the process play out. Everyone deserves due process.”
What’s Next for Carter and the Browns?
Carter has yet to issue a personal statement, though sources close to the player suggest he is preparing to appeal the decision and maintains that the banned substance may have come from a contaminated supplement. If true, this could impact the length and severity of the suspension, though historically, the league has maintained strict standards for player accountability in such cases.
With Carter sidelined indefinitely, the Browns may look to free agency or promote from within to fill the gap. Rookie receivers Jamari Frazier and Kaleb Ross, both signed as undrafted free agents, could see expanded opportunities during camp.
A Career in Jeopardy
At 31 and with his NFL future now in question, DeAndre Carter faces a critical moment in his career. While the door remains open for reinstatement, a lengthy suspension could make it difficult for the veteran to find a roster spot moving forward.
Still, some around the league are hopeful this chapter will serve as a turning point.
“Mistakes happen,” said former coach and NFL broadcaster Tony Dungy. “What matters now is how DeAndre responds. If he owns this, learns from it, and recommits to the right path, there’s always room for redemption in this league.”
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