As the 2023 season came to an end, the Jacksonville Jaguars realized they needed to make a change at returner.
In the end, the Jaguars had two choices: either contract injured returner Jamal Agnew again or use the draft or free agency.
In the end, the Jaguars chose to sign wide receiver and former Pro Bowl and All-Pro Devin Duvernay through free agency.
Duvernay joined the Baltimore Ravens in four seasons as a third-round selection out of Texas in the 2020 NFL Draft, starting 24 games and making 59 appearances. He took part in four postseason games as well.
“I just wanted to find the best opportunity for myself and my future, so after the season, I basically weighed all of my alternatives. Thus, whether it was Baltimore or not, I simply thought Jacksonville had a strong chance,” Duvernay remarked.
In 13 games the previous season, Duvernay caught four catches for eighteen yards, returned 23 punts for 290 yards (12.6 yards per return), and returned nine kicks for 174 yards (19.3 yards per return).
Pro Bowler Duvernay averaged 13.8 yards per punt return and 24.1 yards per kick return in 2021. He was named to the first team of the All-Pro team. Duvernay averaged 11.9 yards per punt return and 25.5 yards per kick return, which earned him a spot in the Pro Bowl again in 2022.
Duvernay averaged 12.8 yards per punt return and 24.8 yards per kick return over the course of four years, scoring two touchdowns on kick returns.
In summary, the Jaguars were aware that they were acquiring a dynamic player who might be useful both offensively and on special teams.
“I just have explosiveness, excitement, speed, and physicality to offer. Duvernay stated, “I’m just eager to play my game and bring my game to Jacksonville.”
“There was love, a shared interest, and an opportunity that was too good to pass up. Thus, I’m delighted and thrilled to be here.
Agnew’s ability to win offensive downfield was one facet of his game that Jacksonville could use. Now that he has the opportunity to assume the same role, Duvernay may be able to have a greater offensive impact than he did in Baltimore the previous season.
Indeed, that is unquestionably significant. My goal is to just get on the field and find more chances to touch the ball and influence the game, according to Duvernay.
