Report: Former Chicago Bears kick returner Devin Hester visiting Atlanta Falcons

Sep 29, 2013; Detroit, MI, USA; Chicago Bears wide receiver Devin Hester (23) returns the ball during the first quarter against the Detroit Lions at Ford Field. Mandatory Credit: Tim Fuller-USA TODAY Sports

After striking out with former LSU kick returner Trindon Holliday in free agency, the Atlanta Falcons have reportedly turned to another high-profile name, and that player is former Chicago Bears star Devin Hester.

Hester is considered by many in the industry as the best kick returner of all time, and he has earned that distinction with production on the field. The now 31-year-old has accumulated an NFL-record 19 return touchdowns (tied with former Falcon Deion Sanders), and he has been a threat to reach the end zone on every touch throughout his eight seasons with the Bears.

In addition to his kick return prowess, Hester has been a solid contributor at times on the offensive side of the ball. He was primarily a defensive player in college at Miami, but Hester has put together three separate seasons with 40 catches or more in his career, and he would be a viable option in the screen game, as well as being a worthwhile fourth wide receiver along side Julio Jones, Roddy White, and Harry Douglas.

Reports of Hester’s appearance in Atlanta don’t exactly state that he is certainly headed toward a contract, but the interest is encouraging, if only to bolster the special teams.