Saints tender restricted free agent

The Saints are placing a 2nd-round restricted free-agent tender on WR/KR Deonte Harty, according to NFL Network's Tom Pelissero. The former Deonte Harris legally changed his last name to Harty in December in honor of his stepfather. Pelissero says Harty could still draw some interest on the market, though we'd be surprised to see another team surrender a 2nd-round pick just to sign the 24-year-old. Last season marked the 1st time that Harty has collected more targets than returns. His 59 looks ranked 3rd among Saints last year, despite Harty losing 3 games to a suspension.

Bills QB Josh Allen said WR Deonte Harty could have a “potentially bigger role” following Nyheim Hines’ ACL tear. The Bills had “semi-high hopes” for Hines on offense, per The Athletic's Joe Buscaglia. Now, the door opens for Harty, only 5’6, 170 pounds, to see additional short-range targets. He’s a name to monitor in deep PPR leagues.

Bills GM Brandon Beane said that the team envisions WR Deonte Harty filling the “four role." Harty got a surprisingly lucrative two-year, $9.5 million deal from Buffalo, but it doesn't sound like he's slated for an every-down job on offense. (Not surprising considering he's just 5'6 and 170 lbs.) With WR Isaiah McKenzie likely on the outs, Stefon Diggs, Gabriel Davis, and Khalil Shakir currently project as the Bills' top three WRs. We'll see if they add another WR in the draft.

The Bills are expected to sign WR Deonte Harty to a two-year deal, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. The contract will reportedly include $9.5 million total, with $5 million of that fully guaranteed. Incentives could push it to a $13.5 million max value. Those numbers don't guarantee a significant offensive role for Harty, who has done his best work as a return man. Harty collected 64 total receptions and 15 rushing attempts across four years with the Saints, compared with 152 total returns. He figures to push RB Nyheim Hines out of the primary return role. We'll see if Buffalo plans to let Harty compete with Isaiah McKenzie and Khalil Shakir for more on offense. If it does, Harty's speed would make him an intriguing late-round flier. You can consider him near the end of best ball drafts now for that reason.

The league suspension has been upheld on Saints WR Deonte Harris' DUI, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport. That means Harris is now suspended for the next 3 games. Kenny Stills, Lil-Jordan Humphrey and Ty Montgomery are candidates for extra playing time while Harris is out.

Saints WR Deonte Harris (hamstring) is out for Monday night's game vs. the Seahawks. Harris ranks 2nd among New Orleans WRs in both snaps and targets this season. His absence leaves the Saints with WRs Marquez Callaway, Kenny Stills, Lil'Jordan Humphrey and Ty Montgomery. We'll see if WR Tre'Quan Smith is activated from IR for Monday night.