After a thoroughly disappointing offensive showing to round out the season, in their home loss to reigning and current champions, the Kansas City Chiefs, the Baltimore Ravens seem to be going backwards this offseason, rather than forwards.

Baltimore Ravens Still Needing Offensive Playmaking Upgrades

The AFC Championship finalists and #1 seed lost not 1, or 2, but 3 starting offensive lineman since the start of free agency, bringing in only former Arizona Cardinals backup tackle, Josh Jones, for depth purposes.

Moreover, the Ravens have failed to upgrade their receiver corps after losing important contributing veteran, Odell Beckham Jr, who will not be re-signing with the team.

That leaves just disappointing 2021 1st round pick, Rashod Bateman and veteran journeyman speedster, Nelson Agholor to pair with budding 2nd year star, Zay Flowers.

However, whilst the Ravens have yet to make a statement offensive signing; at least, that is, pre-draft; they have just signed a potentially vital playmaker for another unit on the field, per Tom Pelissero.

Former All-Pro return man and WR Deonte Harty is signing with the #Ravens on a one-year deal, per me and @RapSheet. pic.twitter.com/IMBotxHuqf

— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) April 10, 2024

Deonte Harty Bringing A+ Return Ability To The Baltimore Ravens’ Special Teams Unit

Deonte Harty had a blistering start to his NFL career, making the Pro Bowl and 1st Team All Pro in his very first season as a punt returner for the New Orleans Saints.

Despites some off-the-field issues, Harty signed a 2 year, $13.5 million deal with the Buffalo Bills. Yet, this offseason he was released after failing to live up to his early career excellence, recording just 330 return yards, the second lowest total of his career, despite participating in almost every game.

Although the Maryland native has only one season of genuine contribution on the offensive side of the ball; posting 570 receiving yards back in 2021 for the Saints, with the new kickoff rules in place for 2024, bringing back some incentive for teams to return kickoffs, proven kick returners, like Harty, have seen their value suddenly increase.

Baltimore still has holes on both their offensive line and at receiver, however, this addition could certainly help provide some well needed spark, at a potentially crucial time at some point next season.