After a summer-long process to find a starting returner, the Ravens have decided to go outside the building to bring in the most prolific return man in NFL history.
The Ravens agreed to terms on a one-year deal with Devin Hester, giving them a veteran to handle the job. It's unknown what the corresponding roster move will be.
Hester posted a picture on Instagram after the move. The contract is worth up to $4 million, according to NFL Network's Ian Rapoport.
A photo posted on
Hester, 33, comes to Baltimore after the spending the last several months recovering from offseason toe surgery. The Ravens worked him out Friday and Saturday, and then signed him after he passed a physical.
"He is a proven returner, both as a kick returner and a punt returner," Head Coach John Harbaugh said.
Baltimore opted to go with Hester after taking a hard look at wide receivers Michael Campanaro and Keenan Reynolds this summer.
Campanaro dealt with injuries, which has been an issue throughout his career. Reynolds struggled with the transition to receiver and returner after playing quarterback. Baltimore cut Reynolds and placed Campanaro on injured reserve Saturday.
Hester gives the Ravens six receivers on the roster, but his biggest contribution is likely to be as the starting punt and kickoff returner.
The four-time Pro Bowler is one of the most prolific returners ever. His 14 career punt return touchdowns are the most in league history, and he has 10,382 total return yards in his 10 NFL seasons.
Hester has all the tools to be a dynamic returner, but the biggest question is whether he is fully past the toe injury that limited him to just five games last year. He had surgery in January, and recovery time was reportedly six months.
