by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer (6/17/2013) Comcast Sportsnet in Chicago believes that Bears return man extraordinaire Devin Hester is not a lock to make the final roster this summer. Per the report, Hester is "working to hold on" to the primary return job. Coach Marc Trestman said Hester is "competing" to win the gig. Hester turns 31 in November and is due $1.85 million this season, two other factors in the team's decision to keep him or not. A return to a receiver's role doesn't seem to be in the offing.
Trestman reiterates Hester's role
by Dave Richard | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/17/2013) Bears coach Marc Trestman confirmed that Devin Hester will be the team's returner first, "then we'll see where it goes from there."
Hester OK not playing offense
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (4/8/2013) The Chicago Sun-Times reports new Bears coach Marc Trestman has moved Devin Hester to solely being a kick returner for this upcoming season. Hester told a local radio show in Chicago that he's OK with it and is looking forward to getting his "swagger" back. "I'm fine with it," Hester said. "It was kind of my idea to let me more focus on my kickoff and punt return thing. ... It was more of my idea to do it." Hester said he spoke to Trestman before heading back to Florida this offseason. It was then when it was agreed that Hester would focus on regaining his form on special teams. "Me and coach Trestman talked before I went home for the break and we came up with the idea that I would just go back to being a key return man -- a punt return and kickoff return man -- and a little bit more special teams," Hester said. "That would be what I know as of now my role to be for the upcoming season."
Hester to compete for role
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/22/2013) The Chicago Tribune reports that the Bears are still counting on receiver Devin Hester, but his role is undefined this season. "Devin is a very versatile athlete," general manager Phil Emery said. "Right now, he is our returner, and we're looking forward to him working with us in OTAs and see how we come out." Added coach Marc Trestman: "Right now, he is back. He'll go out there and compete to be our returner. What he does beyond that depends on how he performs in that first role as a returner."
Future murky for Hester
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/15/2013) The Chicago Tribune reports the future for Bears receiver Devin Hester remains up in the air. Hester said he might seek a trade as he is unhappy with his role on the offense and his relationship with quarterback Jay Cutler. The NFL’s all-time leader in return touchdowns has one year remaining on his contract but it’s unlikely the Bears could get much in return if they did shop him on the open market. “I can tell you that I’ve spoken to him," coach Marc Trestman said of Hester. "He stopped by, I shook his hand, we had a chance to talk a few minutes but we didn’t get specific on anything, just an opportunity to get to know each other but not to put in concrete what his role would be if he winds up coming back.”
Hester won't retire
by Jamey Eisenberg | Senior Fantasy Writer (2/4/2013) The Chicago Tribune reports that Bears receiver Devin Hester has no immediate plans to retire, but he said he might need a change of scenery. Hester ended a frustrating 2012 season by telling reporters immediately after coach Lovie Smith was fired that he would consider retirement. After a month of reflection he had a change of heart. "I'm going to try to get two or three more years in,'' Hester said. "I think I have that much left in me. At the same time, I think I do need a fresh start.'' Entering his eighth season, Hester has one year left on his contract with a base salary of $1.85 million that would count $2.94 million against the salary cap. Although a part of him wants to remain with the Bears, he understands the reality of his diminishing role on offense. "Not only this year, but the last couple of years it has been like that,'' said Hester. "It was really starting to show, why I was frustrated. I'm not making any excuses. I know some of the plays I should have made in terms of catching the ball. But I just wasn't feeling it. My mind wasn't there the majority of the time.''
