Jaelon Darden
#9 WR,
Browns
ACTUAL 2022
0 FPTS
RANK:239
2023 SEASON
- FPTS
RANK:-
AGE
24 yrs
HEIGHT/WEIGHT
5'8'' / 173 lbs
COLLEGE
North Texas
Joins active roster
Published: 2024-09-07
Darden signed a contract with the Browns on Saturday,.
Darden will replace David Bell, who was waived earlier this week. A former fourth-round pick by the Buccaneers back in 2021, Darden projects to be the team's top punt returner and could operate as one of the team's kick returners too, but he'll be hard pressed to see offensive snaps with numerous players above him on the wide receiver depth chart.
Back with Cleveland on taxi squad
Published: 2024-08-28
The Browns signed Darden to the practice squad Wednesday.
The 2021 fourth-round pick finished the preseason with four catches (on eight targets) for 70 yards. He spent most of 2023 with the Browns' practice squad, and he will reprise that role for the upcoming season.
Let go by Cleveland
Published: 2024-08-27
The Browns waived Darden on Tuesday, Tom Pelissero of NFL Network reports.
A fourth-round pick by Tampa Bay in 2021, Darden was claimed off waivers by Cleveland in December of 2022 and bounced back and forth from the practice squad last season. This preseason, Darden caught four passes for 70 scoreless yards. He'll look for an opportunity elsewhere but could be a candidate for the practice squad again.
Returning kicks
Published: 2024-08-18
Darden caught two-of-four targets for 21 yards in Saturday's preseason game against Minnesota. He also returned two punts for 16 yards and one kick off for 29 yards.
All of Darden's activity as a receiver occurred during the second half. If he's to stick with the team, it will likely be as a returner. Darden has returned both punts and kickoffs in each of the first two preseason games.
Signs reserve/future contract
Published: 2024-01-15
Darden signed a reserve/future contract with the Browns on Monday.
The wide receiver was on the Browns' practice squad at the end of the season. Darden appeared in one game and on nine special teams in 2023.
Back to practice squad
Published: 2023-10-16
Darden reverted to the Browns' practice squad Monday.
Darden operated as the team's primary return-specialist in Sunday's 19-17 upset win over the 49ers, compiling 42 return-yards on two kick returns and 39 yards on four punts. If Cedric Tillman (hip) is unable to go again in Week 7 versus the Colts, Darden could be elevated to the team's active roster again.
Main returner in win
Published: 2023-10-16
Darden returned four punts for 39 yards and two kickoffs for 42 yards in Sunday's 19-17 win over the 49ers in Week 6.
Darden was elevated to the active roster, as rookie Cedric Tillman (hip) was unable to go. He never stepped on the field for offense, but Darden took on a familiar return specialist role.
Elevated by Browns
Published: 2023-10-14
The Browns elevated Darden to the 53-man roster ahead of Sunday's matchup with the 49ers, Brad Stainbrook of 247Sports.com reports.
Darden spent the first five weeks of the regular season on Cleveland's practice squad, but is now in line to suit up for the first time. While the pass catcher will be available to provide depth at receiver, his primary role will presumably be contributing on special teams.
Misses cut, joins practice squad
Published: 2023-08-30
Darden was waived by the Browns on Tuesday and subsequently picked up by their practice squad Wednesday.
Darden was considered to be on the roster fringes ahead of final roster cuts, so it is not surprising that he landed right back on the team's practice unit. The 2021 fourth-round pick will now look to turn heads at practice while awaiting the chance to get called up on a game day where the receiving position needs depth.