Bills Sign Saints All-Pro Returner Deonte Harty to Multi-Year Deal
The Buffalo Bills have made a move to address the receiving corps.
And though it may not be the deal Bills Mafia has at the top of their free agency wish-list, the team signing former New Orleans Saints All-Pro receiver/returner Deonte Harty on Wednesday - per ESPN's Adam Schefter - adds some much-needed depth at receiver and speed for both the offense and special teams.
The contract will be a two-year deal worth $13.5 million max. Harty gets a $9.5 million base and $5 million guaranteed, per NFL Network.
Harty, formerly Deonte Harris, missed most of last season due to turf toe but had proven himself in the three years before after entering the league in 2019 as an undrafted free agent out of Division II Assumption.
But Harty went from D-II to NFL special teams star in a blink, earning All-Pro and Pro Bowl honors right away his rookie year with the Saints. The 5-6, 170-pound speedster led the league in total punt returns (36) and punt return yards (338) while returning one for a touchdown in 14 appearances.
Adding Harty to a special teams unit that already features Nyheim Hines, who stole the hearts of Bills fans after two emotional kick returns for touchdowns in Week 18, is an enticing site to think about for Buffalo's third phase of the game.
Harty caught just six passes for 24 yards his rookie season, but steadily showed what he was capable off in the years to follow. His most recent healthy season was in 2021, as Harty posted career-high numbers in catches (36), targets (59), receiving yards (570) and receiving touchdowns (three) while averaging 15.8 yards per grab, the seventh-best mark in the league that season.
With proven speed and receiving ability, it might be safe to expect some Josh Allen deep-bomb touchdowns coming Harty's way next season.
You can follow Zach Dimmitt on Twitter at @ZachDimmitt7
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