The Ravens could be getting an All-Pro and Pro-Bowl return man if he ends up signing with his hometown team.
Baltimore getting the NFL punt return yards leader from 2019 would boost their stellar special teams. This could be the only team he visits before signing, or it could just be the start of his free-agent tour for teams interested.
Deonte Harty, a Baltimore Native, Visits the Ravens
Harty is a former Archbishop Curley star https://t.co/5dgKBt4U8P
— Jeff Zrebiec (@jeffzrebiec) April 5, 2024
Entering his sixth season, the 5’6″ and 170 return specialist went to Archbishop Curley High School in Baltimore.
Deonte Harty went to college at Assumption and set college football records there as a returner. If they land the former Maryland star, it would be an excellent homecoming story for the Ravens.
According to Jeff Zrebiec of the Athletic, Harty visited the team on Friday. Although the Ravens haven’t announced a potential signing, he did tweet this out in the evening.
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— Deonte Harty (@tayynation1) April 5, 2024
Deonte Harty Career Summary
Deonte Harty went undrafted as a rookie in 2019 and was picked up by New Orleans for special teams returner duties. Throughout his five years in the league, he has averaged 25.2 yards per kickoff.
Although he hasn’t been utilized as an offensive weapon yet, there’s always the chance a play-caller can tap into that potential at his age.
His specialty is punts, as Hardy recorded one punt return touchdown for the Saints in four seasons and one punt return touchdown in his one year in Buffalo this past season.
On offense, he has had five career touchdowns, three with the Saints in 2021, where they had 570 yards and 36 catches as a career-high.
The Bills likely didn’t utilize him enough due to injuries and the lack of opportunities in 2023. Harty finished this most recent year with 15 catches, 150 receiving yards, and one receiving touchdown.
Potential Fit with the Ravens
If Harty signs, he will compete with Tylan Wallace for the punt return role. The current kick returner is Justice Hill, so Harty could also compete for that spot with Wallace on the depth chart.
If he does end up in Baltimore, Harty would likely be the starting punt returner, while Wallace would be the kick returner over Hill.
The new kickoff rules would maximize the special team returner’s role, and teams will value Harty’s skillset more this upcoming season.
The Ravens need more receiver depth in general, so the 26-year-old playmaker can also impact offense if he does agree to terms on a deal. Harty can be a utility slot receiver or a gadget playmaker to scheme around.
The former Bills and Saints receiver could fill Devin Duvernay‘s role for the past few seasons. Duvernay signed with the Jacksonville Jaguars this offseason, so getting another potential returner makes sense.
With a special teams background, John Harbaugh is looking for returner options in free agency, which fits his mantra.
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