PHOENIX — The Arizona Cardinals just added a massive spark to their special teams unit. Former Chicago Bears wide receiver and All-Pro returner Devin Duvernay agreed to a one-year, $2.5 million deal with the Cardinals on Sunday, according to NFL Insider Jordan Schultz. Duvernay heads to the desert after a single, high-impact season in Chicago where he proved he is still one of the most dangerous open-field runners in the league.
While Duvernay’s offensive output was quiet in 2025—finishing with just two catches on five targets—his value on special teams was undeniable. He appeared in all 17 regular-season games for the Bears, shredding coverage units for 1,069 kick return yards on 40 attempts. He also added 231 punt return yards on 21 tries, consistently gift-wrapping short fields for the Chicago offense.
His most memorable moment of the 2025 season came at U.S. Bank Stadium. With the game on the line against the Minnesota Vikings, Duvernay ripped off a 56-yard return that set up the game-winning score. It was the kind of play that reminds scouts why he remains a premium asset in the third phase of the game. Over his six-year career, Duvernay has racked up 1,284 punt return yards and 3,231 kick return yards, including two scores on special teams.
Duvernay’s departure is the latest chapter in a busy offseason for the Bears’ front office. Chicago has seen a significant exodus of veteran talent, including the trade of star wideout DJ Moore to the Buffalo Bills and Olamide Zaccheaus signing with the Atlanta Falcons. The Bears moved quickly to address the return void earlier this offseason by inking Kalif Raymond, but losing Duvernay’s specific speed profile will be felt.
For the Cardinals, this move signals a clear intent to improve field position for an offense undergoing its own transition under Mike LaFleur. Duvernay joins an Arizona room that needs veteran stability and a player who can flip the scoreboard in a single play.
“I’m here to flip the field and put this offense in the best position to win. Arizona is building something aggressive, and I wanted to be a part of that energy. If you give me a crease, I’m gone.”
— Devin Duvernay, Arizona Cardinals Wide Receiver
The Cardinals are clearly in “attack mode” during this 2026 free agency cycle. By securing Duvernay, they’ve filled one of their biggest needs without breaking the bank. With the NFC West currently up for grabs, winning the hidden yardage battle on special teams could be the difference between a playoff berth and a long January at home. Expect Duvernay to be the primary return man from Day 1 of training camp, with the potential to see gadget-play snaps in LaFleur’s creative scheme.
