GLENDALE – In a rare scenario by the Arizona Cardinals, general manager Monti Ossenfort might’ve made his biggest signing of the offseason weeks into free agency. The franchise signed two-time Pro Bowler returner Devin Duvernay to a one-year, $2.5 million deal. The 28-year-old is one of the most dangerous kick and punt returners in the NFL.
Thank you for reading this post, don't forget to subscribe!For players with 30 or more kickoff returns, Duvernay ranked fifth in average yard per return at 26.7 and total yards at 1,069.
Dec 7, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Duvernay (12) during the game against the Green Bay Packers at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Hanisch-Imagn Images
Duvernay’s impact on the return game:
After losing reliable returner Greg Dortch in free agency, who was 12th in total return yards, Ossenfort pivoted to signing a former All-Pro to give special teams a boost. Other Arizona returners from 2025 had less than 300 total yards on the season and couldn’t give a spark to a lackluster offensive attack.
With Jacoby Brissett under center, the offense would do a stellar job of picking up chunk plays to drive down the field. However, the gas always ran out and would fall short of field goal range or reaching the end zone.
Sep 8, 2025; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Duvernay (12) makes a catch against the Minnesota Vikings during the second half at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: David Banks-Imagn Images
The Cardinals having Duvernay gives Brissett more breathing room and better field position to get those few crucial extra yards to get into scoring position. In the last four games of last season, Duvernay averaged 31.7 yards per kickoff return and was playing the best ball on the year. The 5’11 returner is dynamic with the ball and his ability to read holes opening and collapsing has earned him awards and seven years in the league.
Cardinals given middling free agency grade ahead of 2026 NFL Draft
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Reporter Tanner Tortorella covers general assignment for Burn City Sports. You can follow him on his X account, @TannerTSports
