A Former Browns Tight End Is Returning To Cleveland
(Photo by Rob Carr/Getty Images)
The Cleveland Browns have been trying to sort out their tight end situation since training camp. While Harold Fannin Jr. has established himself as one of the NFL’s best at the position in just his second season, the Browns have struggled to find quality depth behind him.
It was thought that they would look to improve by trading for a veteran, but with the clock ticking toward the NFL deadline on Tuesday afternoon, that option seems to be slipping away. So, Cleveland has made another transaction that it hopes will help.
According to Aaron Wilson of KPRC 2 Houston, the Browns are signing veteran tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden to their practice squad.
“Browns are signing veteran tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (6-5, 257) to practice squad today, agent Rob Sheets [said.] Maryland native began his career with the Browns as undrafted free agent and has also played for Saints, Ravens and Texans. Total of eight games overall, two catches, 17 yards,” Wilson said.
#Browns are signing veteran tight end Zaire Mitchell-Paden (6-5, 257) to practice squad today, agent Rob Sheets @KRS3Sports to @KPRC2
Maryland native began his career with the Browns as undrafted free agent and has also played for #Saints #Ravens and #Texans
Total of eight games… pic.twitter.com/zpIykD5Ji6
— Aaron Wilson (@AaronWilson_NFL) November 10, 2026
Mitchell-Paden was released from the Houston Texans practice squad earlier this month. The Browns play the Texans this coming Sunday, and Mitchell-Paden also has ties to the Cleveland organization and head coach Todd Monken.
The Browns have been using Blake Whiteheart as their second tight end behind Fannin, who is rarely deployed as a blocker. Cleveland has also moved rookie seventh-round pick Carsen Ryan back and forth from the active roster to the practice squad.
After not being selected in the 2022 NFL Draft, Mitchell-Paden signed with the Browns and spent two seasons on and off their practice squad before being released in August 2024. He then joined the Baltimore Ravens, where Monken was the offensive coordinator, and made his NFL debut for them last season.
The Ravens waived Mitchell-Paden with the intention of re-signing him to their practice squad, but he was claimed by the New Orleans Saints and played two games for them. He was let go at this year’s cutdown day, and then signed with Houston.
It is unknown what role Mitchell-Paden might play for the Browns going forward, but that could be made clear after the trade deadline passes.