The Cleveland Browns have switched things up once again this offseason after another rough campaign in 2025. And while the offseason is in a bit of a quiet period, the Browns are continuing to make moves, with the hope being that they can begin to establish themselves as a legitimate playoff contender in the next few years.
On Tuesday, one of Cleveland’s former players, wide receiver/running back Demetric Felton, announced his retirement from the NFL. Typically, this wouldn’t be big news, but in a surprise turn, he’s actually accepted a new job with the Browns, as he will be working as a member of their coaching staff.
Browns Hire Demetric Felton to Work in New Player Development Role
A former 6th-round pick out of UCLA, Felton is 27 years old.
The Browns selected Felton in the sixth round of the 2021 NFL Draft as a wide receiver, and he initially showed flashes of his potential as a rookie, as he caught 18 passes for 181 yards and a pair of touchdowns during his limited time on the field. Felton failed to build off of that season, though, as he had just two receptions for eight yards in eight games the following year.
After the 2022 season, Felton tried to change positions, and he began working as a running back. He ultimately wound up getting released, as he would never take the field again in the NFL. Felton spent time with the Cincinnati Bengals, Chicago Bears (twice), Indianapolis Colts, and Washington Commanders, but he was never able to find his footing.
In January, Felton opted to switch back to his native wide receiver position and sign with the BC Lions in the Canadian Football League. Late in April, though, Felton was placed on the retired list, and now we know why. After announcing his decision to call it a career as a player, Felton revealed that he will be joining the Browns in a player development role for the 2026 campaign.
“Veteran WR/RB Demetric Felton announced he’s retiring from football and has accepted a player development role with the Browns, his former team. A former 6th-round pick out of UCLA, Felton is 27 years old,” NFL insider Jordan Schultz shared in a post on X.
Demetric Felton Looking to Kickstart His Coaching Career
GettyRunning back Demetric Felton of the Cleveland Browns.
While Felton was explosive when he had the ball in his hands, he was never able to get enough touches to consistently make an impact in the NFL. However, his time on the field has set him up quite well to make the transition into coaching, and the Browns are clearly hoping his experience as a player can help him excel in this new role.
Player development is going to be key for Cleveland moving forward, as it is banking on its young guns turning into stars in the future. For the most part, the Browns have managed to do that quite well on the defensive side of the ball, but it is still looking for an answer at the quarterback position. With that in mind, it isn’t a stretch to suggest that the team’s success in 2026 will depend heavily on what sort of production it gets from the most important position in the game.
Browns Hire Former Wide Receiver After Retirement Decision