Before the onset of free agency, the Buffalo Bills unexpectedly released six seasoned players, including Wide Receiver Deonte Harty. Harty had previously signed a lucrative two-year contract worth $9.5 million with Buffalo in March. His base salary for 2024 was $2.6 million, with a cap hit of $5.7 million. However, the Bills gained over $4 million in cap space by releasing him. A month later, Harty found a new team in the NFL, the Baltimore Ravens, and expressed his excitement on social media, stating, “BALTIMORE!! IM HOME.” Despite his departure, Harty chose to sign with his hometown team at a reduced rate, agreeing to a one-year, $1.29 million deal with the Ravens.

Although Harty didn’t become a significant contributor to the Bills’ offense, he demonstrated his explosiveness in a crucial game against the Miami Dolphins by setting a franchise record with a 96-yard punt return touchdown. This pivotal play helped the Bills secure a victory, clinching the No. 2 seed in the playoffs and the AFC East championship title. While he received recognition as the AFC Special Teams Player of the Week, his performance did not carry over into the postseason. Throughout the regular season, Harty recorded 15 receptions for 150 yards and one touchdown. In the postseason, he caught two passes for 37 yards in two games.

Despite his departure from Buffalo, Harty expressed gratitude to the Bills organization and its fans for their support. The Bills also released wide receiver Nyheim Hines alongside Harty, who had missed the entire 2023 season due to an offseason jet ski accident. The team saved approximately $4.6 million by releasing Hines, who later signed a one-year, $1.9 million contract with the Cleveland Browns. With both Harty and Hines gone, the Bills needed to address their special teams, especially after the league implemented new kickoff rules for the 2024 NFL season.

Bills head coach Sean McDermott acknowledged the impact of the new rules on their offseason plans, emphasizing the need for someone to fill the kick returner position. Wide receiver Curtis Samuel, who recently signed a three-year, $24 million contract with the Bills, is a potential candidate due to his experience as a kick returner during his time with the Carolina Panthers.

Brandon Beane expressed openness to utilizing Samuel in various roles, including as a returner.

With the departure of superstar receiver Stefon Diggs, the Bills’ primary focus is on finding a new X-receiver. While they have signed Samuel and other players, such as Khalil Shakir and Mack Hollins, they are expected to target a top receiver in the first round of the upcoming NFL draft. Beane hinted at the possibility of trading up to secure a top prospect or selecting from a deep pool of talent at the No. 28 spot. Additionally, he emphasized the importance of exploring all avenues to strengthen the roster before the start of the season.

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