Host WR Deonte Harty, Ravens
Adam La Rose April 5, 2024 @ 11:13 a.m. CSTJeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports that the team is hosting Deonte Harty.
The Ravens, who need a new return specialist and more depth at receiver, are investigating a candidate who can cover both positions on the roster. Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic reports that the team is hosting Deonte Harty.
Devin Duvernay left Baltimore in free agency, thus the team needed a new returner. Harty, who was named an All-Pro in his rookie season with the Saints because of his special teams play, might help in that area. The 26-year-old offensive lineman played his first four seasons with New Orleans, finishing 2021 with 570 yards and three scores.
But when the Bills signed him in the offseason, they wanted him to contribute more in the third phase of the game while filling a depth receiving role. Due to Nyheim Hines’ season-ending injury, Harty was able to negotiate a two-year deal early in the free agency process and assumed the role of primary returner for the Bills. Harty had a career-high 12.4 yards per punt return average, including a 96-yard score as his standout play. Still, he was one of many Buffalo players waived in an attempt to reduce the salary cap before free agency.
Only one kickoff was returned by the Baltimore native, which is hardly surprising considering the rising number of touchbacks in the NFL in recent years. However, clubs will probably give returners more priority than they did in previous years given the rule modifications meant to boost return rates. With Duvernay out of the picture, Harty might handle both kick and punt return responsibilities, while other options include receiver Tylan Wallace and running back Justice Hill.
Obviously, the Ravens are looking to add a complementary wideout because of the latter’s and Odell Beckham Jr.’s absence. Harty only had 15 receptions in his season with the Bills, accounting for 15% of the team’s offensive snap share. With Baltimore, who kept Nelson Agholor and will probably choose at least one receiver in the upcoming draft, he might have a somewhat heavier workload. The Ravens have $12MM in cap space as of Friday, so it will be fascinating to see whether Harty’s visit results in a deal.
