Chicago Bears Free Agent Profiles: Devin Hester

Nov 17, 2013; Chicago, IL, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) cheers on the crowd during the first half against the Baltimore Ravens at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Dennis Wierzbicki-USA TODAY Sports

Devin Hester Free Agent Profile

2013 Cap Hit: $2.94 Million

2013 Stats and Grades: Hester had only 18 punt returns for 256 yards and a touchdown.  He fared much better on kickoff returns, with 52 returns (a testament to the Bears’ piss poor defense) for 1436 yards.  That was good for tops in the league on kickoff returns.

Pros: When Hester is on, he’s the best around.  He was still very productive in the kickoff return game in 2013, so I think there’s plenty left in the tank. 

Cons: Hester still makes questionable decisions and seems to be losing a step.  He was on the brink of taking the return record all to himself, which seemed to distract him all season.  Hester only holds down one spot as a return specialist.  Can the Bears afford a roster spot for just a return specialist?

Potential suitors:  Hester had a mini meltdown when Lovie Smith got fired and he’s from Florida, so maybe the Bucs would make a good landing spot?  Dave Toub landed in KC, so maybe a stint with the Chiefs would make sense.  Chris Tabor, who was an assistant special teams coach for the Bears seems to have survived the tire fire in Cleveland, so maybe that would make sense.

Bottom Line: Devin Hester’s impact on Chicago Bears history is undeniable, but what impact might he have on the Chicago Bears future.  For the right price, I’d love to see him back.  A sick part of me would love to see what Trestman could do with him in a limited role on offense.

What do you think?  Does Hester come back to the Bears in ’14 or will he take his ridiculousness elsewhere?