Deonte Harty Inks Deal with Baltimore Ravens, Report Indicates
Harty Returns to Hometown Team in Ravens’ Signing
Last offseason, the Buffalo Bills secured the services of free-agent receiver/return specialist Deonte Harty on a two-year contract. However, following a relatively uneventful debut season with the Bills, the team opted to part ways with Harty last month.
Fast forward a little over a month into the new league year, and Harty has landed a new NFL opportunity with the Baltimore Ravens. For Harty, this marks a return to his roots as he rejoins his hometown team.
The signing of Harty by the Bills initially generated considerable excitement. The versatile receiver, known for his dynamic play, had garnered an All-Pro selection and had caught the eye of general manager Brandon Beane. Harty was widely expected to step into the role left vacant by wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie. However, despite demonstrating his capabilities when given the chance, Harty often found himself on the periphery of the main rotation, similar to McKenzie.
Except for one notable exception—a pivotal punt return touchdown in Week 18 against the Miami Dolphins. Harty electrified the field with a 96-yard dash to the end zone, providing the crucial momentum that propelled the Bills to victory and clinched their fourth consecutive AFC East Division title. In recognition of his standout performance to close out the regular season, Deonte Harty was honored as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week—earning a $250,000 bonus for maintaining an average punt return of 10.0 yards or more. Furthermore, his 96-yard return etched its place in Buffalo Bills history as the franchise’s longest punt return.
During his single season with the Bills, Harty appeared in 16 games (with one start), hauling in 15 receptions (on 21 targets) for 150 yards and one touchdown. In the postseason, Harty contributed with two receptions (on two targets) for 37 yards in two playoff appearances with Buffalo. While Harty’s statistics may not immediately dazzle, his efficiency as a receiver underscores the Bills’ potential missed opportunities in utilizing him and other receivers not named Stefon Diggs to their fullest extent.
