Baltimore Ravens Bring in Devin Duvernay Replacement?

The Baltimore Ravens are reportedly bringing in Deonte Harty to ostensibly audition for their returner's job.

Jan 21, 2024; Orchard Park, New York, USA; Buffalo Bills wide receiver Deonte Harty (11) returns a / Mark Konezny-USA TODAY Sports

Even with Devin Duvernay gone, the Baltimore Ravens will continue to seek out many happy returns.

Per Jeff Zrebiec of The Athletic, the Ravens are bringing in former Buffalo Bill Deonte Harty for a veteran's workout. Harty, 26, is no stranger to the Baltimore gridiron spotlight: born in Charm City, Harty led Archbishop Curley High School to both state and league championships before moving on to Division II Assumption University. He would later earn All-Pro honors as an undrafted rookie in 2019 for leading the league in punt return yardage with the New Orleans Saints.

Buffalo Bills wide receiver Deonte Harty (11) fields punt in front of Pittsburgh Steelers cornerback / Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and

Harty spent last season with the Bills, averaging 12.4 yards a punt return and taking one back 96 yards for a score, which earned him Special Teams Player of the Week honors for Week 18 action.

While Harty, listed as a receiver, wouldn't match the impact of adding another former Buffalo catcher, he'd fulfill a dire need for the Ravens now that longtime special teams staple Devin Duvernay has moved onto Jacksonville. Duvernay averaged over 2,600 yards and 18 a return over four seasons in purple and black, but Baltimore is now on the search for field position establishment. Kick returner upgrades are in high demand with the NFL opting to adjust its procedures to resemble the version seen in the recent XFL reboot.

As it stands, running back Justice Hill is perhaps the top incumbent option to replace Duvernay while second-year receiver Zay Flowers could perhaps also get an opportunity to earn the job.