Could the Browns Have Found Useful Backfield Depth in Jaret Patterson?

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Could the Browns Have Found Useful Backfield Depth in Jaret Patterson?

Heena Singh · Gridiron Heroics

Thu, Oct 8, 2026 ·

3 min read

Jaret Patterson Gives Cleveland Browns Another Option Behind the Backfield

Aug 7, 2025; El Segundo, CA, USA; Los Angeles Chargers running back Jaret Patterson (34) during training camp at The Bolt. Mandatory Credit: Kirby Lee-Imagn Images

Patterson is not arriving with the expectations of becoming the Browns' lead back. The signing seems more about adding another veteran to the fold as the Browns continue to sort through their backfield depth. Patterson has had stints with the Washington Commanders, Los Angeles Chargers, and Minnesota Vikings since his entry into the NFL.

To begin with, the Commanders drafted Patterson from the University of Buffalo in 2021. In 27 NFL games, Patterson rushed for 503 yards with three touchdowns and 126 attempts at the football. In addition to this, he recorded 13 catches for 81 yards. Last year, in six games with the Chargers, Patterson recorded 41 rushes for 159 yards and a touchdown.

It should be noted that the above statistics do not reflect a running back capable of taking control of the backfield, but they do demonstrate that the Browns have at least one player with NFL experience who can replace another injured player. Sampson's absence is the biggest reason for the addition . The Browns have recently been relying more heavily on Raheim Sanders and Jaleel McLaughlin, leaving the team with another reason to keep searching for depth.

Patterson had been with the Vikings in September before being released on September 29. He then worked out for Houston as the Texans explored several potential additions, including Patterson and running back Terrell Jennings. The Browns ultimately won the sweepstakes for his services, at least for now. But there is no shortage of production in Patterson's college résumé either.

His best game ever was against Kent State in November 2020. Patterson rushed for 409 yards and eight touchdowns on 36 carries, setting the record for the most rushing touchdowns in a single game in FBS history. This was followed by his game against Bowling Green when he racked up 301 yards and four touchdowns. Patterson's 710 rushing yards during the two games became the record for the most rushing yards in a two-game period, while his 12 rushing touchdowns did as well.

In total, he had 3,884 rushing yards and 52 touchdowns during his college career with Buffalo. Now he'll need to fight his way onto the Browns' active roster and prove that his experience can be useful as depth behind the Browns' current choices.

The 26-year-old may not be a headline addition , but Cleveland did not need one. It needed another running back, and it found one with NFL experience and a strong college track record.

Jaret Patterson Gives Cleveland Browns Another Option Behind the Backfield

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