Hester set to be used in more “creative” ways this season.
Former Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester has agreed terms on a three-year deal with the Atlanta Falcons, although financial details were not disclosed.
The 31-year-old has a record 18 career kick and punt returns for touchdowns, but was let go by the Bears having drafted him in the second round out of Miami back in 2006.
Hester averaged 27.6 yards per kick return and 14.2 yards per punt return with one touchdown last season, and he now becomes the fifth free agent to join the Falcons from another team this off-season.
The organisation have already signed defensive tackle Paul Soliai, defensive end Tyson Jackson and guard Jon Asamoah as well as Javier Arenas.
Despite the Bears seemingly deciding that Hester was not an indispensable part of their plans moving forward, it is understood that Atlanta intend on using him in “creative ways” this season.
Having played both as a receiver and defensive back with Chicago previously, he was restricted to playing as just a kick returner last season, but the Falcons are expected to tap in to his ability across the field.
The three-time Pro Bowler became one of five players to gain at least 3,000 yards on punt returns and 5,000 yards on kick returns last season, while he also broke an 81-yard punt return for a touchdown to tie Hall of Famer Deion Sanders for the most career return touchdowns in NFL history.
While there had been debate over whether or not the Bears had made the right decision to release him, Hester will now be fully focused on continuing his record-setting play with the Falcons next season.
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