The Chicago Bears could soon part ways with return specialist Devin Hester. Hester is "competing" for a roster spot and if he's unable to make the team, the Bears may look to trade him, Pro Football Talk reports.
It appears Hester is finished lining up as a wide receiver for the Bears. Now the 30-year-old is battling to just make the team under the new leadership of coach Marc Trestman.
"Trestman said as much earlier this offseason and observing the rotations during minicamp, with Earl Bennett among others fielding kicks," John Mullin of CSN Chicago wrote on Sunday. "Trestman again used the word 'competing' to describe Hester's situation as the Bears' primary returner.
"With the Bears tight against the salary cap, Hester's 2013 base of $1.85 million is potentially a factor, as is his age (31 in November), if he does not establish a level of dominance approaching what he had before working into the offense as a receiver."
Hester's spot on the roster depends on how well he outpeforms his competition during training camp. He's due a base salary of $1.857 million. If Trestman finds another return specialist during training camp, he could trade or cut Hester to clear the contract from the books.
Chicago would prefer to trade Hester if it came to it. Doing so allows them to receive compensation, even if minor, for NFL's all-time leader in kick and punt returns; it'd also let the team to control where Hester lands, ensuring he isn't returning kicks against them in the NFC North.
Hester entered the league as a second-round pick in 2006. He dazzled fans with his dynamic return ability, housing 18 kicks/punts to become the NFL's All-Time Leader in return touchdowns. He earned three trips to the Pro Bowl, was named to the NFL's 2000s All-Decade Team and has three times won the NFL Alumni Special Teams Player of the Year.
*Note: Video from 2011.
