Devin Duvernay Explains Why He Signed With the Jaguars

Why did the former Ravens return specialist end up in Jacksonville?

When the curtains closed on the 2023 season, the Jacksonville Jaguars knew a move needed to be made at returner.

The Jaguars ultimately had two options: re-signed injured returner Jamal Agnew or turn to free agency or the draft. 

Ultimately, the Jaguars opted for free agency, bringing in former Pro Bowl and All-Pro return specialist and wide receiver Devin Duvernay. 

A third-round pick out of Texas in the 2020 NFL Draft, Duvernay started 24 games in four years for the Baltimore Ravens and appeared in 59 games. He also played in four playoff games.

"After the season I just weighed out all of my options and just wanted to seek out the best opportunity for myself and for my future. So, I mean whether that was Baltimore or not I just felt Jacksonville was a good shot," Duvernay said.

Duvernay appeared in 13 games last year, catching four passes for 18 yards and returning 23 punts for 290 yards (12.6 yards per return) and nine kick returns for 174 yards (19.3 yards per return).

A Pro Bowler and first-team All-Pro in 2021, Duvernay averaged 13.8 yards per punt return and 24.1 yards per kick return. Duvernay was elected to another Pro Bowl in 2022 after averaging 11.9 yards per punt return and 25.5 kick return yards.

In four years, Duvernay averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and 24.8 yards per kick return with two kick return touchdowns.

In short, the Jaguars knew they were getting an explosive player who could contribute on offense and special teams. 

"As far as what I have to offer, just explosiveness, excitement, speed and physicality. Just excited to play my game and bring my game to Jacksonville," Duvernay said. 

"The love was there, mutual interest and the opportunity, just couldn't turn it down. So, I’m excited and happy to be here.”

One aspect of Agnew's game that translated to Jacksonville was his ability to win downfield on offense. Duvernay can now step into that same role, potentially having a chance to make a bigger impact on offense than he did in Baltimore last year. 

"I mean yeah, that's definitely important. Just getting on the field, more ways to touch the ball and impact the game is definitely a vision of mine," Duvernay said.