The Jacksonville Jaguars have a deal in place to sign Baltimore Ravens return specialist Devin Duvernay to a two-year, $8.5 million contract when he becomes a free agent Wednesday, according to NFL Network’s Ian Rapoport.
Duvernay, 26, earned two Pro Bowl nods and All-Pro honors in his four seasons with the Ravens. He averaged at least 11 yards per punt return in all four seasons and led the league in 2021 with 13.8 yards per return. On kickoffs, Duvernay has a career average of 24.8 yards per return with two return touchdowns.
DEVIN DUVERNAY RETURNS THE OPENING KICKOFF! @Dev_Duv5
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📱: Stream on NFL+ https://t.co/LqzAxQaA7Q pic.twitter.com/gwK930d33Y— NFL (@NFL) September 18, 2022
For the last three years, the Jaguars have had Jamal Agnew returning punts and kicks. While he earned Pro Bowl honors for the 2022 season, Agnew’s last season with Jacksonville was cut short by a fractured leg. He’s due to become a free agent Wednesday.
The Jaguars also drafted wide receiver Parker Washington in the sixth round last year and turned to him in the return game with Agnew out of action, but got underwhelming results.
As a receiver, Duvernay caught 122 passes for 880 yards and five touchdowns in his first three seasons with the Ravens. But with the additions of Zay Flowers and Odell Beckham Jr. to the offense, Duvernay finished the 2023 season with only four receptions for 18 yards.
According to Rapoport, offensive incentives could raise the value of Duvernay’s deal to $12.5 million.
