The New Orleans Saints made some big changes at receiver this offseason, trading up for Chris Olave and signing Jarvis Landry. These additions and Michael Thomas‘ expected return would not leave nearly as many opportunities as the rest of New Orleans’ wideout cast received last season.
Prior to the these moves, the Saints tendered Deonte Harty at the second-round level. The former Deonte Harris signed his RFA tender in April, and Nick Underhill of NewOrleans.football tweets Harty is expected to show for Saints minicamp this week. However, the 5-foot-6 wideout/special-teamer is seeking a new contract, Underhill adds.
Harty will make $3.99M on his RFA tender and does have an All-Pro nod on his resume. Harty received that honor as a punt returner in 2019. Harty has remained New Orleans’ primary kick and punt returner in the two seasons since.
A former UDFA out of Division II Assumption College (Massachusetts), Harty became a necessary piece at receiver for the Saints last season. Harty caught 36 passes for 570 yards and three touchdowns. He also served a three-game suspension for a summer 2021 DWI arrest. The Saints and Harty are not believed to be close on terms, according to Ian Rapoport of NFL.com.
Harty may be eyeing recent deals handed out to some return men this offseason as a range. Fellow All-Pro returner Jakeem Grant signed a three-year, $10M deal with the Cleveland Browns this offseason. Jacksonville Jaguars return man Jamal Agnew is tied to a slightly higher salary, in being attached to a three-year, $14.25M extension. The New York Jets gave 2021’s All-Pro kick returner, Braxton Berrios, a two-year, $12M deal in March. Despite Berrios’ momentum and increased usage in New York’s offense, Harty bested the Jet slot’s yardage total (431) by a considerable margin and did so in playing fewer offensive snaps.
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