Devin Duvernay of the Arizona Cardinals
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JACKSONVILLE, FLORIDA - DECEMBER 15: Jalen Mills #35 of the New York Jets intercepts a pass intended for Devin Duvernay #12 of the Jacksonville Jaguars during the first quarter at EverBank Stadium on December 15, 2024 in Jacksonville, Florida. (Photo by Mike Carlson/Getty Images)
The Arizona Cardinals had some turnover on special teams, losing return man Greg Dortch and long snapper Aaron Brewer.
They have just filled one of those holes.
The Cardinals signed wide receiver and return specialist Devin Duvernay to a one-year, $2.5 million deal, according to NFL insider Jordan Schultz.
Jordan Schultz
Sources: Former #Bears All-Pro WR/returner Devin Duvernay is signing with the #Cardinals on a 1-year, $2.5M deal, negotiated by @ErikBurkhardt of @RocNationSports.
Aside from being an option at receiver, Duvernay is a key weapon for his field-position impact as a returner.
Duvernay, ironically, is the cousin of former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray.
“Devin Duvernay helped flip field position multiple times with the Bears as a returner, helping turn likely losses into wins,” Schultz wrote. “Arizona is hoping to get some of that after all the one-possession losses they had last year.”
What Will Duvernay Bring to the Arizona Cardinals?
The Baltimore Ravens drafted Duvernay in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft out of the University of Texas.
He was used as a return threat and receiver for his first three years in Baltimore. In 46 games for the Ravens from 2020 to 2022, Duvernay caught 90 passes for 880 yards and five touchdowns.
In 2021, Duvernay had 360 punt return yards on a 13.8 yards per return clip, as well as 676 kick return yards. For his efforts, he was a pro-bowler and an all-pro selection.
In 2022, Duvernay had 383 kick return yards and a touchdown. He also had 37 catches for 407 yards and three touchdowns, often being used as a gadget player. Because of this, the NFL named Duvernay a Pro Bowl selection once again.
However, in 2023, Duvernay’s role with Baltimore lessened, leading to him signing with the Jacksonville Jaguars in free agency.
With Jacksonville, he had just 11 receptions and 33 returns. He spent 2025 with the Chicago Bears, having a career resurgence.
While he only caught two passes, Duvernay returned 40 kickoffs for 1,069 yards, helping the Bears in their playoff push.
He has blazing speed (4.39 40-yard dash) and, entering his age-29 season, still has what it takes to be an elite return man.
How Does Duvernay Fit in the Desert?
Arizona has not had an electric return specialist since Patrick Peterson’s rookie year in 2011. That year, he had four return touchdowns.
Duvernay fits that bill and will automatically be the return specialist for Arizona.
He also brings experience at wide receiver for a team that just lost Zay Jones and Dortch. Duvernay has experience playing in the slot.
Arizona likely has its top receivers set in Michael Wilson, Marvin Harrison Jr. and Kendrick Bourne.
After that, Duvernay has a shot to step in, should injuries occur for the Cardinals.
New special teams coordinator Michael Ghobrial, under new head coach Mike LaFleur, will now coach Duvernay.
“I have great familiarity and regard for him from our time with the Jets, and I know he’s only continued to grow stronger as a coach in the subsequent years with the Giants,” LaFleur said of Ghobrial. “The enthusiasm he brings is infectious, which is critical for all coaches but especially on special teams. As a team, we will definitely benefit from his energy and experience.”
The Cardinals have the same hope that Duvernay’s electric play style will be beneficial to their special teams.