The NFL will begin free agency next week but the Baltimore Ravens are wrapping up some of their work before other teams can get involved. In addition to using the franchise tag on outside linebacker Matthew Judon, the Ravens announced they re-signed wide receiver and return specialist De’Anthony Thomas to a one-year deal.
Baltimore had initially signed Thomas in the middle of last season after he was cut from the Kansas City Chiefs. In eight games, Thomas returned 13 punts for 93 yards (7.2 yards per return) and 10 kickoffs 166 yards (16.6 yards per return). While listed as a wide receiver as well, Thomas only played three snaps on offense for the Ravens and only 20 offensive snaps for the Chiefs last season, spending almost all of his time on the field on special teams for both teams.
Though his return averages didn’t rank near the top of the league last season, there’s some hope Thomas can help solidify what has been a shaky special teams unit for Baltimore. They’ve struggled to find a consistent returner and have seen several players turn the ball over too frequently when put into that role.
