Deonte Harty, a former return man and receiver for the Buffalo Bills, is joining his hometown team.
Deonte Harty, a former receiver and return guy for the Buffalo Bills, has agreed to a one-year contract with the Baltimore Ravens, according to NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero.
Harty only played for the Bills for one season, but in that one season, he had a significant influence. The 26-year-old’s primary responsibility was returning punts, however he did catch 15 receptions for 150 yards and a score.
Harty tied the score early in the fourth quarter of the team’s regular-season finale against the Miami Dolphins by returning a punt 96 yards for a touchdown. The Bills would go on to capitalize on that momentum and win 21-14 to secure their fourth consecutive AFC East championship.
Although some Saints fans may be more familiar with Harty by his birth name, Deonte Harris, he played for the New Orleans Saints for the first four seasons of his career. In December 2021, he formally changed his last name to Harty in remembrance of his stepfather.
Since Harty grew up in the Baltimore region, signing with the Ravens is a homecoming for the 2019 All-Pro. He ought to have a strong chance of contributing to the return game this season with the new kickoff regulations implemented by the NFL.