Overview and Quick Summary
Deshone Kizer is a former National Football League (NFL) quarterback whose professional career included stints with the Cleveland Browns, Green Bay Packers, New York Giants, and Indianapolis Colts. Drafted by Cleveland in the fourth round of the 2016 NFL Draft, he appeared in limited game action with the Browns before entering a trade to Green Bay in 2017. This profile clarifies the teams he played for, significant transactions, and his current status. It omits speculation and focuses on verified team history, timelines, and key roster movements.
Drafted Entry and Initial NFL Team: Cleveland Browns
Kizer was selected by the Cleveland Browns with the 117th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft. He saw limited playing time during the 2016 season and part of 2017 before the Browns sought to move him. In August 2017, Cleveland traded Kizer to the Green Bay Packers in exchange for a conditional 2018 seventh-round pick. This marked his first change of teams and concluded his tenure in Cleveland.
Trade to the Green Bay Packers
Trade Details and 2017 Season
In August 2017, the Browns traded Kizer to the Packers to address depth and salary-cap considerations. On the Packers, he primarily served as a backup and special-teams contributor during the 2017 season. Kizer appeared in games but did not record a regular-season start for Green Bay.
Waiver and Re-signing
Kizer was waived by Green Bay during final roster cuts in September 2018 and re-signed to the practice squad shortly afterward. This period reflected standard NFL roster management, with limited first-team opportunities in the league.
New York Giants Period
Acquisition and Roster Role
In October 2018, the Giants claimed Kizer off waivers from Green Bay. He was used sparingly in special teams and as a situational quarterback during the 2018 and 2019 seasons. The Giants released Kizer in August 2020 as part of final roster cuts.
Contract and Financial Context
While specific contract figures were not widely detailed in public sources, his tenure with the Giants was characterized as a backup and depth role rather than a long-term starting opportunity. NFL financial terms for practice-squad and backup-level players of this era typically emphasized short-term, incentive-laden agreements.
Indianapolis Colts and Final NFL Tenure
Kizer signed with the Indianapolis Colts in October 2020. He remained with the Colts through the end of the 2020 season, appearing only on special teams and in limited short-yardage situations. He was released in September 2021, concluding his NFL playing career.
Verified Career Timeline and Team Summary
The table below summarizes the teams Kizer played for, the period of his tenure, and the nature of his involvement. Items are based on publicly reported roster transactions and official NFL records.
| Team | Season(s) | Role and Status | Notes |
|---|---|---|---|
| Cleveland Browns | 2016–2017 | Roster quarterback; limited action | Drafted 117th overall; traded August 2017 |
| Green Bay Packers | 2017–2018 | Backup/special teams | Traded from Cleveland; waived September 2018 |
| New York Giants | 2018–2020 | Special teams/situational QB | Claimed off waivers October 2018; released August 2020 |
| Indianapolis Colts | 2020 | Special teams/situational QB | Signed October 2020; released September 2021 |
Current Status and Activity
As of the most recent available information, Kizer is not listed on any active NFL roster. There have been no official announcements of a return to playing or formal retirement documentation. He has occasionally appeared in interviews reflecting on his career path and transition after professional football, though specific post-NFL plans remain private.
Key Takeaways
- Teams: Cleveland Browns (drafted by), Green Bay Packers (traded), New York Giants (waivers), Indianapolis Colts (waivers).
- Primary roles: Backup and special-teams contributor with limited offensive snaps.
- Transactions: Traded from Cleveland to Green Bay in August 2017; claimed by New York in October 2018; signed by Indianapolis in October 2020.
- Current status: Not on an active roster as of the latest public records.
FAQ
Reader questions
Which team drafted Deshone Kizer?
Kizer was drafted by the Cleveland Browns with the 117th overall pick in the 2016 NFL Draft.
Was Deshone Kizer ever a starter in the NFL?
No. He appeared in games primarily as a backup and special-teams player and did not record a regular-season start.
Why did Kizer move between teams frequently?
His movements were driven by standard NFL roster decisions, including trades for depth/cap management and waivers, rather than performance-based tenure.
Is Deshone Kizer retired?
He has not signed with an active NFL team since the Indianapolis Colts released him in September 2021. There is no official retirement announcement on record.