Could the Baltimore Ravens be bringing a Baltimore native home?
The Ravens are reportedly hosting former New Orleans Saints and Buffalo Bills receiver plus returner Deonte Harty for a visit on Friday according to NFL insider Tom Pelissero. Harty was cut by the Bills earlier this offseason before free agency began.
Buffalo Bills wide receiver Deonte Harty (11).
Jamie Germano/Rochester Democrat and
Harty began his career with the Saints and was an All-Pro and made the Pro Bowl as a rookie in 2019 after leading the league with 36 punt returns for 338 yards and a touchdown. Harty was also solid as a kick returner with 24 returns for 644 yards, averaging 26.8 yards per return.
Harty’s production on special teams tapered, but he became more of a focal point on the offense in 2021, as he had a career year with 36 catches for 570 yards and three touchdowns for New Orleans.
Harty signed with the Bills last offseason, catching only 15 passes for 150 yards, and he was one of the team’s primary punt returners. He had 26 returns for 323 yards, but none were more important than his 96-yard punt return for a touchdown in Week 18 to tie the game for the Bills vs. the Miami Dolphins in the fourth quarter of a game for the AFC East title and No. 2 seed in the playoffs.
While it’s unknown if Baltimore is high on Harty being a part of the offense, he has proven he can add value on special teams, especially as a punt returner, and with new rules on kick returns, that may help Harty return to form from his rookie season and give the Ravens a weapon on special teams.