Devin Hester has built a reputation as one of the most dynamic return men in the NFL. The 31-year-old has racked up a record number of special teams touchdowns, mainly all with the Chicago Bears. However, his eight seasons with the team is coming to an end as the Bears and Hester have both confirmed that he will not be retained and instead will hit the open market.
"From my knowledge, I know that Chicago wants to go a different route with me," Hester told the NFL Network. "All I can say is thanks to the fans for their support. They've always been great to me. Always been loyal. I couldn't have played for a better city than those guys. At the end of my career, I do want to retire as a member of the Bears."
Hester has plenty of records to his name that should carry some weight on the market and possibly overshadow his age and lack of versatility. Hester has a record-tying 19 punt returns for touchdowns. He also has five kickoff returns for touchdowns and one missed field return for a touchdown. Last season he seemed to have a return-to-form year, putting up 1,436 kick return yards which was a league high.
Hester is now just a one-trick pony in the league. He likely can only be used on special teams since that is how he has built his name in recent seasons. Chicago had no other use for him. So where could the veteran land in free agency with only one skill to offer a team?
Hester is hoping the Tampa Bay Buccaneers take a look at him. Lovie Smith is now the man in charge of the NFC South team and the return man would love to reunite with his former coach is possible.
"I look at Lovie as my number one coach right now because he's the one that took a chance on me coming out of the draft," Hester said. "He has all my respect so if he's a guy that is going to shoot at me and want me to come play with him again, my arms are open."
The Buccaneers special teams until was nothing to brag about. They finished the year ranked No. 22 in the league in kickoff returns so having Hester would be an upgrade. The New Orleans Saints are another team that could take a look at Hester in free agency. No matter what, he will be forced to take a pay cut because no one is going to willing to give him a big contract since he offers very little.
