Justice Served: Devin Duvernay, a returner, signs a one-year contract with the Chicago Bears 2025 free agency tracker
Something amazing is being built by the Bears. Devin Duvernay had that impression when he visited Halas Hall two weeks ago as a free agent, particularly during his meeting with first-year coach Ben Johnson. At the end of the trip, the return specialist and receiver signed a one-year contract.
After playing with the Ravens (2020–23) and Jaguars (2024) during his first five NFL seasons, Duvernay now joins the Bears. “He is got timed speed,” concluded Johnson. He has a low 4.4 or 4.3. Last year in Jacksonville, he was with [Bears pass game coordinator] Press Taylor, and the footage we saw gives us great hope.”
Duvernay, a Texas native who was chosen by Baltimore in the third round of the 2020 NFL Draft, has made 72 appearances, 25 of which have been starts. The 27-year-old has averaged 12.0 yards on 88 punt returns, 24.9 yards with two touchdowns on 87 kickoff returns, rushed for 222 yards and one touchdown on 31 carries, and caught 105 passes for 977 yards and five touchdowns.
As a return specialist, Duvernay was selected to the Pro Bowl in 2021 and 2022. In 2021, he led the NFL with a punt return average of 13.8 yards, earning him a spot on the first team All-Pro.
According to special teams coordinator Richard Hightower, “Devin is a player that when you look at him from a distance is just incredibly talented, a pretty strong runner.” “Clearly, his accomplishments in the league and the accolades he has received speak for themselves. We are thrilled to have him in the mix
