The #Saints are giving WR/PR Deonte Harris (now Deonte Harty) the second-round RFA tender, per source. He could still draw some interest on an offer sheet.
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 14, 2022
Bang: the New Orleans Saints made their move on their biggest restricted free agent, with NFL Network’s Tom Pelissero reporting that wide receiver Deonte Harty has been given a one-year contract tender valued at the second-round level. That means he’ll play on a one-year deal valued at about $3.9 million — unless another team makes him an offer that the Saints decline to match, in which case New Orleans would receive a second round draft pick as compensation.
There aren’t many downsides here from the team’s perspective. They’re keeping their big-play threat at receiver and special teams returns at a discount, with the possibility that another team could set the market for him and make a contract offer they’re willing to match. And if he does end up leaving, the second round pick New Orleans would get in return could be put towards replacing him. It’s a savvy move.
But hopefully the Saints can continue negotiating with Harty until they settle on a multiyear extension. He’s been an impressive player for them, improving year over year, and he’s exactly the sort of talent you’d like to build around. New Orleans has previously signed Taysom Hill to a long-term deal after initially tagging him, so there’s precedent here. Stay tuned for movement.
