Ravens are excited about a weapon they have that no one is talking about around the NFL

One part of the Baltimore Ravens offseason that has been overlooked is the addition of a return man that could have a big impact with the new kickoff rules in the NFL.

While the Ravens watched Devin Duvernay walk in free agency, they were able to fill his spot with another major contributor at the position.

Deonte Harty may not hold a major role in the offense in 2024, but he’s going to be very impactful in the return game.

"I think this guy – he's electric. He's been a Pro Bowl player. He's been an All-Pro player, and when he was sitting there and his name came up, it's just, 'Oh, man. We lost our guy. We need a guy to fill these shoes, a guy with some experience,” explained special teams coordinator Chris Horton.

Harty was an All-Pro as a rookie in 2019 after being picked up by the New Orleans Saints as an undrafted rookie. He spent his first four seasons with the Saints and was mainly a return man. Last season, Harty was with the Bills where he had one punt return for a touchdown to bring his career total to two. Harty has caught 79 passes for 943 yards and five career touchdowns.

"You like to have a guy with some experience so [that] you're not really relying on young guys, especially in the punt return game. Then, it just allows us to do a little bit more back there. I'm excited about him. I know the coaches are. The players are. When I talk to the guys, some of the veteran guys, 'Hey, we've got Harty coming in.' Those guys ask 'Is that the guy from the Saints, the guy who used to be on the Saints? I say, 'Yeah, man, that's the little returner from the Saints.' So, he's a well-known and respected returner in this league, and we love him."

The 96-yard return that Harty had with Buffalo is an example of the electricity that he can bring to the field. While the All-Pro return man hasn’t handled kickoffs as much in the last couple of years, it wouldn’t be a surprise if that changed.

The Ravens could get creative with how they use Harty within the offense and get him into space but expect teams to worry about him as a headache in the return game first and foremost.