Cardinals Sign Veteran Returner Duvernay to $2.5M Deal

Former Bears All-Pro wide receiver and return specialist joins Arizona on 1-year contract.

Mar. 16, 2026 at 1:50pm

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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 two-time Pro Bowl returner and 2021 First-Team All-Pro, is expected to provide a major boost to the Cardinals' special teams unit as they look to improve after a difficult 3-14 season.

Why it matters

Adding a proven returner like Duvernay could give the Cardinals better field position and help them turn things around after a tough 2025 campaign. Duvernay has established himself as one of the league's most reliable kick and punt returners in recent years.

The details

Duvernay, who is a cousin of former Cardinals quarterback Kyler Murray, spent time with several teams in recent years including the Jaguars and Bears. In 2021 with the Ravens, he led the NFL with a 13.8-yard average on punt returns and scored twice on kickoff returns.

  • 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 earned two Pro Bowl selections and First-Team All-Pro honors for his standout work on special teams.

Kyler Murray

Former Cardinals quarterback who is 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

What’s next

The Cardinals will look to Duvernay to provide a spark on special teams as they aim to bounce back from a disappointing 2025 season.

The takeaway

By signing the proven return specialist Duvernay, the Cardinals are hoping to improve their special teams and field position, which could be a key factor in helping the team turn things around after a tough year.