Around the League

Presented By

Devin Hester, Atlanta Falcons strike 3-year contract

Published: Mar 20, 2014 at 08:53 AM

Kevin Patra

Around the NFL Writer

One of the greatest return men in NFL history will join the Atlanta Falcons.

Free-Agent Tracker

Follow all the developments on the NFL's open market with our up-to-the-minute tracking of 2014's free agents. **More ...**

Devin Hester agreed to a three-year contract with the Falcons on Thursday, NFL Media Insider Ian Rapoport reported. The team later confirmed the news.

The Falcons desperately needed an upgrade in the return game. Atlanta ended 2013 10th in kickoff-return average (24.4) and 20th in punts (8.2) last season. They were also one of four teams in 2013 without a punt return over 25 yards or a kick return of over 50 yards, per ESPN's Field Yates.

Solely a returner with the Chicago Bears, Hester, 31, represents a major upgrade over Jacquizz Rodgers on kick returns and Robert McClain on punt returns.

Playing inside the Georgia Dome -- as opposed to the sloppy Soldier Field -- should aid Hester as he ages.

The return specialist is the NFL's all-time leader in punt return touchdowns (13) and total kick return touchdowns (18). Hester also returned a missed field-goal attempt 108 yards for a touchdown. Hester's 19 regular-season return TDs ties Hall of Famer Deion Sanders for the most in league history.

He will try to own the mark by himself with the Falcons.

The latest "Around The League Podcast" breaks down DeSean Jackson trade rumors and tries to figure out who will be next year's Michael Bennett (or Brent Grimes).

This article has been reproduced in a new format and may be missing content or contain faulty links. Please use the Contact Us link in our site footer to report an issue.

Related Content

news

Kenny Pickett undergoes ankle surgery; Steelers QB not expected to be placed on IR

Pittsburgh Steelers quarterback Kenny Pickett will have surgery Monday on the injured ankle he suffered in Sunday's loss to the Cardinals. He is not expected to be placed on injured reserve

news

After contemplating retirement, RB LeSean McCoy looking for 'right road,' 'right fit'

Following some thoughts about retirement, LeSean McCoy's quest for the right situation on the right team continues two weeks ahead of clubs reporting for training camp.

news

Ben Roethlisberger 'happy' to adjust deal; expected back with Steelers after meeting with Art Rooney II

Ben Roethlisberger's agent Ryan Tollner told NFL Newtork's Aditi Kinkhabwala that the Steelers "want Ben back and will contact me soon to address his cap situation."

news

Sunday's NFL training camp injury and roster news

Another week of training camp is kicking off. The 2020 regular season is just around the corner, and NFL Network has you covered with wall-to-wall training camp coverage each day starting at 10 a.m. ET. Follow along here as we keep up with all the news, injuries and transactions of the day.

news

Carroll responds to Jets DC: 'We don't make as many mistakes as he does'

Seahawks coach Pete Carroll didn't let a day pass before responding to Jets DC Gregg Williams, who claimed Jamal Adams 'may get bored' in Seattle's defense.

news

Has Cardinals defense improved enough to aid high-profile offense?

Chandler Jones was one of the best talents in the NFL a season ago, but the Cardinals were still one of the worst defenses in the league? Will that change in 2020?

news

Will Ronald Jones, Buccaneers running game improve with Brady?

Can the presence of Tom Brady, a continued resurgence of Ronald Jones and the drafting of Ke'Shawn Vaughn add a rushing component long absent in Tampa?

news

On this day in 1969, a brand-new NFL took shape

It was on May 10, 1969 that the Baltimore Colts, Cleveland Browns and Pittsburgh Steelers agreed to join the AFL to form the 13-team American Football Conference.

news

Can Patriots start, finish as winners sans Tom Brady?

The last two times the Patriots started a season without Tom Brady, they won Super Bowls. However, he returned to lead them there. What becomes of the Pats knowing he won't return?

news

D.K. Metcalf discusses Year 1 lessons in rookie webinar

Fresh off his breakout rookie campaign, Seahawks receiver D.K. Metcalf spoke to 547 players about social media, finances and meeting etiquette in NFL's first rookie webinar.

news

Kirk Cousins to Dak Prescott: Don't be afraid of tag

Vikings quarterback Kirk Cousins knows a thing or two about the franchise tag -- and how it sometimes can be used for a quarterback's benefit. Could Dak Prescott learn from Cousins' past experience?

news

Derrick Brown, Panthers agree on 4-year, $23.6M deal

The Carolina Panthers have locked in their first-round pick Derrick Brown to a 4-year deal, NFL Network Insider Ian Rapoport reports.