The Cleveland Browns are bringing back wide receiver and return specialist James Proche on a one-year deal (according to The Athletic’s Zac Jackson) as the second week of free agency is underway.
After being signed off of the Baltimore Ravens’ practice squad a year ago due to injuries in the wide receiver room and the trade of Donovan Peoples-Jones, Proche saw his action on special teams. This is likely where he has the best track to make the roster again in 2024, but his pathway is quite murky.
Proche enters the offseason as a longshot to make the roster after the addition of running back Nyheim Hines. With experience working with both offensive coordinator Ken Dorsey and special teams coordinator Bubba Ventrone, Hines is a proven weapon who likely gets the nod as the return specialist in 2024.
This does, however, give Proche a streamlined opportunity to land on the practice squad and on the shortlist to be called up for three gameday elevations. For now, Proche hangs around on the 90-man roster with a chance to compete this summer.