Cardinals Sign Veteran Returner Devin Duvernay to 1-Year, $2.5M Deal

Duvernay, a 2-time Pro Bowl returner, joins Arizona to boost their special teams.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 4:50pm

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The Arizona Cardinals have signed veteran wide receiver and return specialist Devin Duvernay to a one-year, $2.5 million contract. Duvernay, a former All-Pro returner, is expected to provide a major boost to the Cardinals' special teams unit after they struggled in recent seasons.

Why it matters

The Cardinals are coming off a difficult 3-14 season and have lacked consistent special teams production. Duvernay's addition as a proven returner could significantly improve their field position and scoring opportunities in 2026.

The details

Duvernay, who is a cousin of former Cardinals QB Kyler Murray, has built a reputation as one of the NFL's top return specialists. In 2021, he led the league with a 13.8-yard average on punt returns and scored twice on kickoff returns. Last season with the Bears, he averaged 11 yards per punt return and 26.7 yards on kickoffs.

  • Duvernay signed his 1-year, $2.5 million contract with the Cardinals on March 16, 2026.

The players

Devin Duvernay

A veteran wide receiver and return specialist who has made the Pro Bowl twice and was a First-Team All-Pro in 2021.

Kyler Murray

Former Cardinals quarterback who is Devin Duvernay's cousin.

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What they’re saying

“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.”

— Jordan Schultz, NFL Insider (Twitter)

What’s next

Duvernay will look to immediately make an impact on the Cardinals' special teams unit and provide a spark on offense as a receiver.

The takeaway

The Cardinals' signing of Devin Duvernay is a savvy move to bolster their special teams and give their offense a potential field position advantage. Duvernay's proven track record as an elite returner could be a game-changer for a Cardinals team looking to bounce back from a tough season.