The Cleveland Browns are being challenged with roster depth after some recent injuries. With that in mind, they are looking to bolster their squad, particularly on special teams.
Dylan Sampson was injured returning a kickoff in Week 1, and Tylan Wallace was injured during a kickoff in Week 3. So, the team may look to bring back a familiar name.
According to ESPN insider Jeremy Fowler, the Browns worked out James Proche on Tuesday.
“Free agent WR/PR James Proche is working out for the Cleveland Browns today, per source. Proche was with the Browns previously (2023-24),” Fowler posted.
Free agent WR/PR James Proche is working out for the Cleveland Browns today, per source.
Proche was with the Browns previously (2023-24).
— Jeremy Fowler (@JFowlerESPN) October 6, 2026
Proche played 19 games for Cleveland over the 2023 and 2024 seasons. In that time, he averaged 9.0 yards on 41 punt returns, playing 180 total snaps on special teams. He had eight targets and three catches as a receiver.
This season, KC Concepcion is the only Browns player to return a punt, averaging 5.3 yards on four attempts. As elusive and effective as Concepcion could be in that role, Cleveland likely does not want to ask too much of the rookie wide receiver, as he has become a prominent target in their passing game.
Proche was a sixth-round pick in the 2020 NFL Draft by the Baltimore Ravens. He played three seasons for them before signing with the Browns’ practice squad during the 2023 campaign. He left as a free agent, played nine games for the Tennessee Titans last year, and attended camps with the Chicago Bears and Detroit Lions this preseason.
In Week 5, the Browns are returning to the scene of a historic special teams meltdown when they visit the New York Jets at MetLife Stadium on Sunday. Last season, Cleveland gave up touchdowns on a kickoff return and a punt return in a 36-second span, leading to a 27-20 loss.
Now, coming off an emotional 27-24 win against the Pittsburgh Steelers that put them atop in the AFC North, the Browns will be looking to avoid a “trap game” letdown. Cleveland could be caught looking ahead to hosting Baltimore in a Week 6, first-place showdown.
Proche might not be up to speed for this upcoming game, but he could be an important player against his former team the following week.
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