Ravens believe new kickoff rules fit All Pro newcomer well

Veteran returner specialist Deonte Harty is poised to excel now that the kick return has been revitalized.

After not being able to participate in the offseason program due to a family emergency, Baltimore Ravens veteran wide receiver Deonte Harty is starting to drum up some excitement in training camp about the impact he can have on special teams.

As an undrafted rookie with the New Orleans Saints in 2019, the Baltimore native established himself as one of the most dangerous and explosive returners in the game, earning Pro Bowl and First Team All Pro honors. With the adaptation of the NFL’s new kickoff rules for the 2024 season, the Ravens and special team coordinator Chris Horton believes Harty could be a difference-making weapon as a returner.

“Deonte is a special player. He’s here for a reason,” Horton said. “He’s [here] because of his pedigree and what he’s done in this league. We all know what he can do with the ball in his hands, and this play fits him well. It’s a lot of space. It’s a big-fill play. We’re just looking forward to, really with all of our returners back there, and just seeing how they develop.”

Prior to signing with the Ravens on a one-year deal this offseason, Harty most recently played for the Buffalo Bills last year. In 2023, he wasn’t able to make his presence felt much on kick return under the old rules but still generated big plays and flipped field position as a punt returner, racking up 323 punt return yards—nearly a third of which came on an NFL season-long 96-yard return for a touchdown.

The Ravens’ history of having strong special teams units is nearly on par with their reputation as a historically strong defensive team. They have developed many elite return specialists over the years from Jermaine Lewis to the late Jacoby Jones who both were key to Super Bowl-winning seasons. Their most recent example was two-time Pro Bowler and former First Team All Pro Devin Duvernay who Harty was brought in to replace as the primary returner this year.

Harty also has a chance to carve out a nice role on offense in the second year of offensive coordinator Todd Monken’s scheme as it emphasizes getting dynamic playmakers the ball in space. Whether his touches come on screens, jet sweeps, slants or even handoffs in the backfield, his potential to be a multi-faceted weapon in two phases of the game is very promising.