The Buffalo Bills signed free-agent receiver/return specialist Deonte Harty to a two-year contract during the previous summer.
However, the Bills made the decision to let Harty go last month following a largely uneventful rookie campaign.
With the Baltimore Ravens, Harty has found a new NFL home just over a month into the current league season. Playing for his hometown team again feels like a homecoming for Harty.
There was a lot of excitement surrounding the signing of Harty by the Bills because the small wide receiver was an All-Pro selection and had already drawn the interest of general manager Brandon Beane.
Most people believed that Harty was the one most likely to take up the position that wide receiver Isaiah McKenzie had left open.
However, much like McKenzie, Harty was frequently left out of the primary mix despite his demonstrated ability when involved.
With the exception of a particularly noteworthy punt return touchdown against the Miami Dolphins in Week 18, that is. With a 96-yard touchdown reception, Deonte Harty was the decisive factor that helped the Bills win their fourth consecutive AFC East Division championship.
Deonte Harty earned a $250,000 bonus for averaging 10.0 yards or more per punt return, and he was named the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week for his performance to end the regular season.
Furthermore, the 96-yard return currently holds the record for the largest punt return in Buffalo Bills team history.
Harty appeared in 16 games (one start) and caught 15 receptions (on 21 targets) for 150 yards and one touchdown during his one-year stint with the Bills.
Harty caught two receptions (on two targets) for 37 yards in his two postseason games with Buffalo.
Harty’s efficiency as a receiver stands out despite his numbers not immediately leaping off the page.
