Zaire Mitchell-Paden

Zaire Mitchell-Paden (born August 20, 1999)

College career Notre Dame College Mitchell-Paden began his college career at Notre Dame College. During his true freshman season in 2017, he appeared in 10 games and finished the season with two receptions, 16 yards, four kick returns for 26 yards and two tackles. During the 2018 season, he appeared in and started all 14 games and finished the season with 32 caught passes for 435 yards, four touchdowns, one blocked punt and another blocked punt for a touchdown. During the 2019 season, he appeared in 13 games and finished the season with 53 caught passes for 573 yards and six touchdowns.

On April 22, 2021, Mitchell-Paden announced that he would be transferring to Florida Atlantic.

Florida Atlantic During the 2021 season, he played in 12 games and finished the season with 9 caught passes for 90 yards and a touchdown.

Professional career

Cleveland Browns On April 30, 2022, Mitchell-Paden was signed to the Cleveland Browns as an undrafted free agent after going unselected in the 2022 NFL draft. He was re-signed to the team's practice squad after being waived during final roster cuts on August 31.

On January 9, 2023, Mitchell-Paden was signed to a reserve/futures contract by Cleveland. He was waived by the Browns on August 29, but was re-signed to the practice squad two days later. On September 30, Mitchell-Paden was elevated to the active roster, but reverted back to the practice squad two days later.

Mitchell-Paden signed a reserve/future contract with Cleveland on January 15, 2024. On August 27, Mitchell-Paden was waived by the Browns.

Baltimore Ravens Mitchell-Paden was signed to the Baltimore Ravens' practice squad on September 16, 2024. He signed a reserve/future contract with Baltimore on January 21, 2025. On August 26, Mitchell-Paden was waived by the Ravens as part of final roster cuts; he was re-signed to the practice squad the following day. Mitchell-Paden was elevated to the active roster and made his first appearance in an NFL game in the team's Week 1 Sunday Night Football game against the Buffalo Bills, where he played 15 snaps, one of which included a key block for a Derrick Henry touchdown run. He was signed to the active roster on September 27. On October 23, Mitchell-Paden was waived by the Ravens.

New Orleans Saints On October 24, 2025, Mitchell-Paden was claimed off waivers by the New Orleans Saints. He made two appearances for New Orleans, recording one reception for 14 yards. On January 2, 2026, Mitchell-Paden was placed on season-ending injured reserve due to a knee injury.

On August 29, 2026, Mitchell-Paden was waived by the Saints.

Houston Texans On September 1, 2026, Mitchell-Paden was signed to the Houston Texans practice squad.