Hester wants fresh start, could seek trade.

http://www.chicagotribune.com/sport
s/football/bears/ct-spt-0203-bears-
hester-chicago--20130203,0,54946.story

trade 'em and use any money saved to put towards Brian Urlacher and his 1-2 year home town discount deal....

I think trading him would be a mistake. I really don't think wwe'd get much more than a 5th round pick for him (and that may be over-shooting).


His value (IMO) to the team at his reduced pay, is much more valuable than a 5th round pick. He's still a threat on KR/PR. I also think Trestman will be smart enough to put him in the slot more. Hester versus a LB is a match-up he should win every single time... TIce wasn'tsmart eough to use him there and Martz was not given anyone else to work with so had to use him as the Z.


I'd really like to see what a real OC can get out of his speed and moves using him in a role that actually makes sense for this skillset.

For value terms, it would be.  But I would cut or trade.  Give me the 5th round pick.  Look hes no longer dynamic on kickoffs; blame him, blame Toub for last eyar, blame the scheme, blame the execution.  There were too many times I facepalmed watching him run backwards trying to make something happen out of nothing.  Hes nowhere near as fast as he once was, hes a god awful WR.  I dont care if you line him up against a LB; the match up isnt Devin versus the LB, its Devin versus his brain.  And we all know the brain isnt getting the message to that guys hands. 

He wants to go, let him go--hell I'd throw him out there now and see what I can reel in.  4-5th round pick I think is what we could get.  Donte Hall and a 3rd round pick got a 3rd and 4th round pick back in 2007.  I'd consider that. 

Bears need a new influx of WR talent after Jeffery and Marshall.  I'm not adverse to cutting all of them except those two and signing/drafting more--or letting this Joe Anderson kid play.  Hester experiment is a failure.  Bennett is a failure until further notice.  He was a D in 11 and an F in 2012.  I dont care for injuries.....a 100 yard game week 17 saved your embarrassing 12 game seasson performance.  Thats embarrassing, thats absurd.  If he doesnt have that week 17 he has 250 yards.  Not worth his contract.  In a league where WRs are a dime a dozen--rookies outplayed him.  3rd down RBs outplayed him.

One guy I'd start looking to see what Detroit does with is Titus Young.  He looks like hes going to get cut.  Thats a fresh start in a crop full of $#!t behind Marshall and a rookie.

 

Mongo- I'm going to disagree... while we can continue to complain about the OC's we have have had over the years one CONSTANT has been Hesters inability to grasp any kind of playbook. As bad as these OC's have been- they are not stupid guys- I'm willing to bet that they all "tried" to get the best weapon "in space" as much as they could. And there has been many reports of using him in practice, but the truth is that Devin just doesn't get it. (something I said years ago) When it's game speed, and game adjustments, he can't do it.

Devin as WR- all I keep thinking about is: throwing his hands up in the "I don't know" pose presnap and having Bennett/Marshall/Moose/Cutler/Knox-
just about EVERY other offensive specialist pointing to a spot. Having Cutler coming off the field shaking his head, or screaming and pointing/gestering routes as he talks to Devin.

Too many times did he look like a deer in headlights on the field.

Also- we just go a report that from his WR's coach that he (Hester) just isn't emotionally able to understand/grasp an offensive playbook. That he needed everything to fall into place perfectly for him to succeed. His blubbering at the idea of losing Lovie also kinda proved this. The i can't hack it- so I'm going to quit thing bothers me.

No matter what you think of the past OC's- I have to blame Devin Hester himself for his lack of succeeding in the offense. I don't know of many other players that have been given some many opportunities to be a "#1" WR and has failed so much. Should have been kept at Kick Returner...period.

Trade if you can- get what you can- and now that spot will be given to a more professional WIDE RECEIVER that will have to learn/understand the playbook. Something that Hester has given a pass on too many times. IMO. he will be missed on the return aspect, but honestly what did he do in that role in 2012? ZERO return TD's... Time to move on. 
Let's not forget- He's 30 now... that lightning quickness isn't going to get better.

Thank him for his great career with the Bears and trade him. If they can get a 5th pick for him they can save money and possibly draft the Honey Badger with it.

<blockquote class="QuoteMessage">Mongo- I'm going to disagree...</blockquote>

<br /><br /><br /><br />Im guessing most would. I seem to be a candle in the wind with my opinions these days...<br /><br /><br />

<blockquote class="QuoteMessage">while we can continue to complain about the OC's we have have had over the years one CONSTANT has been Hesters inability to grasp any kind of playbook.</blockquote>

<br /><br /><br />Can't disagree. But he's never played slot.<br /><br /><br />

<blockquote class="QuoteMessage">The i can't hack it- so I'm going to quit thing bothers me. </blockquote>

<br /><br /><br />Don't disagree with this either.<br /><br /><br />

<blockquote class="QuoteMessage"> Trade if you can- get what you can- and now that spot will be given to a more professional WIDE RECEIVER that will have to learn/understand the playbook</blockquote>

<br /><br />i just feel that he adds more value in 2 phases than what we could get from a 5th rounder.<br /><br />Now, a 4th or a 3rd rounder would be interesting to me.<br />

Mongo- I'm going to disagree...

Im guessing most would. I seem to be a candle in the wind with my opinions these days...

while we can continue to complain about the OC's we have have had over the years one CONSTANT has been Hesters inability to grasp any kind of playbook.

Can't disagree. But he's never played slot.

The i can't hack it- so I'm going to quit thing bothers me. 

Don't disagree with this either.

 Trade if you can- get what you can- and now that spot will be given to a more professional WIDE RECEIVER that will have to learn/understand the playbook

i just feel that he adds more value in 2 phases than what we could get from a 5th rounder.

Now, a 4th or a 3rd rounder would be interesting to me

Mongo's right.

When you weigh what he is will be owed against the cap next season (less than 3 mil) versus what you are likely to get back in a trade (4th rounder, at best?) and then take into consideration what you can get out of him next season...........keeping him seems like a no brainer to me.

He's frustrated, fine. He isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, we know that. His comments bother me but you have to look at the context and the situation.

I can't think of a good reason to trade him. Nothing that makes this team better next season.

Anyone that thinks he doesn't have it as a return man any more is silly. Go back and watch his returns from this past season, and then watch his touchdown returns from the past. It's the same Hester. The only difference is the blocking being done in front of him. It fell way off last season.

Hester is venting and that's fine, let him vent. In the end the best thing for the team is gonna be to have him back next season.

Mongo's right.

This does nothing to dissuade the notion that I am you.

He's frustrated, fine. He isn't the sharpest knife in the drawer, we know that.

The man is as sharp as a spoon.

The only difference is the blocking being done in front of him. It fell way off last season.

Agree.

Hester is venting and that's fine, let him vent. In the end the best thing for the team is gonna be to have him back next season.

If he really wants to go, they need to trade him.  Football is the one sport where you really do not want guys on your team that don't want to be there.  If he gets done venting and decides he wants to stay that is one thing.  His value to the team is diminished greatly if he truly does not want to play for the Bears anymore. 

In that case they may be better off with a 7th round pick.  Maybe they can get Webb part 2......A new beginning.

The only reason, and I mean only reason, that we should trade him is if he doesn't want to be here.  If he is not in 100%, do what you got to do. 

Teams are not afraid of him anymore, if they are they won't be after watching film of him.  He may return two more in his career.  Maybe.  He's a bit slower than he used to be and his mind isn't there either.  He's never had solid hands, and won't like playing less, he already doesn't.  With Alshon coming into his 2nd year Devin Hester is going to get few looks from Jay Cutler.  

He's what 4th on the WR depth chart and most likely will be surplanted by a fa or draft choice.  Someone who is an actual deep threat because they can catch over the shoulder. 

 

I doubt we would even get a 5th rounder for him, let alone a 4th rounder.  If you put Devin in the slot, can you see him fighting off a LB for the ball?  I can just see him now letting the ball fly through his hands right into the waiting safety behind him.  This guy is done.  He's 30 and living off his name.  We can probably replace him with a fast PR/KR in the 5th or 6th round.

Thanks for all the excitement you gave us, Devin. 

I doubt we would even get a 5th rounder for him, let alone a 4th rounder.  If you put Devin in the slot, can you see him fighting off a LB for the ball?  I can just see him now letting the ball fly through his hands right into the waiting safety behind him.  This guy is done.  He's 30 and living off his name.  We can probably replace him with a fast PR/KR in the 5th or 6th round.

Thanks for all the excitement you gave us, Devin. 

Pretty much my same sentiment.  Another kick return for a touchdown in him?  Maybe.  But with new rules for kickoffs, and the fact that he still gets seldomly used on punts isnt enough to pay this guy.  And as a slot guy?  He has no "sure hands," and even if he was kept for this reason--Earl Bennett now is out of a job.  Cut them both, take the 5th rounder, find a small burner guy like a T.Y. Hilton.

Hell, dont even have to draft him--theres a plethora of names who could be signed who make instant upgrades to Devin and Bennett.  Donnie Avery and Titus Young are 2 for starters.  If they do go the draft route, Josh Boyce and Tevin Reece are 2 5th round projected smaller, burner guys who would make extraordinary compliments to the WR core.   

ITs gotta be started anew, get rid of the parts that arent working properly/wont work period.  Stop trying to fit square pegs into round holes, because thats something Jerry Angelo would do.  It really is Devin's time go to......and even if it is a 5th rounder, I'll take it willingly knowing Devin's "low" salary of 2.7 million gets put to good use like helping to resign Henry Melton AND obtain a starting LT in free agency like Bushrod.

As bad as these OC's have been- they are not stupid guys

Turner and Martz weren't stupid.  Mike Tice is a complete idiot.  Have you ever heard the guy talk?  He is the definition of a meathead.  Tuna's comparison to Carl from Caddyshack is dead on.

As for Hester, I really don't care at this point.  I agree with Mongo in the fact that with his current contract, he isn't killing us salary cap wise.  The only problem is that I hate him as a WR.  Would rather give a younger guy a chance but maybe Trestman can salvage him.  I think if you can get a 3rd or a 4th, than jump all over it.  At this point, his whiny attitude about Lovie leaving, then also saying he is not having fun any more and is talking about retiring and now asking to be traded, just don't think he has enough left in the tank to warrant all this and really what he has done the last couple seasons?

"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."

After reading the article you referred to, this line stood out to me.  So I have changed my stance, get what you can for him or cut him.  For what he was getting paid, that should have been enough for him to "feel it".  This just proves everybody's point who is saying he is a mental midget because that above statement sounds like something a child would say.  You are a professional and if you can't get your mind right, you shouldn't be playing.  You got paid every week, so if you weren't giving 100%, you not only let down yourself, you let down your teammates and the organization.  If he made more plays when he got the ball and ran the right routes, maybe he would have got the ball more.

Thanks for all the excitement Devin early in your career, you were one of the most exciting Bears ever, but after the above statement, I definitely think it is time for you to go.  If your mind isn't here a majority of the time, maybe the rest of your body shouldn't be either.
<!-- begin inline 2 --><!-- INLINE MODULE -->

Martz obviously isn't football stupid. I dont think Turner is stupid. Tice is an idiot.


As for Hester, meh. Id keep him. I dont see a reason to trade him. If we are competing for a Superbowl immediately, trading Hester does nothing to make us better. Its not like he is expensive anymore, which is key. 

<blockquote class="QuoteMessage">After reading the article you referred to, this line stood out to me.  So I have changed my stance, get what you can for him or cut him.  For what he was getting paid, that should have been enough for him to "feel it".</blockquote>

<br /><br /><br />There is a <span style="text-decoration: underline;">lot</span> more to this story. Stuff I alluded to near the end of the season.<br /><br />Keep in mind I am not picking sides or even trying to throw anyone under the bus.<br /><br />But it was well known within the ranks of the team - and other teams - that Cutler was ignoring his primaries... And secondaries. In fact, there were times he completely ignored the whole check down and just threw it to Marshall. <br /><br />Marshall was targeted 181 times. The next closest was Alshon a 48.<br /><br />Now, the argument I'm sure I'm goign to hear is "If I was Cutler I would have thrown to just Marshall as well - Hester dropped everything".<br /><br /><br />Cept, Hester had 4 drops last year. Marshall had 13...<br /><br />And the other argument is Hester couldn't get open. But that's not true. Hester often drew single coverage and often was open.<br /><br /><br />I remember one play in partiular (although there were many) where Hester and Marshall were both running 9 patterns. Hester drew single coverage and made a double move. The CB tripped up a bit and Hester had at least 10-12 yards on him. On the other side, Marshall drew both safeties and the CB. Triple coverage. Cutler launched it to Marshall and it was easily picked off.<br /><br /><br />See - and again, I'm not taking a side here or even downplaying Marshalls contribution - But, Cutler basically ignored the play calls and anyone not named Marshall. Tice had zero control... By the end of a 16 game season like that, if I was Hester, I'd be kinda sick of that too.<br /><br />It's safe to say Cutler and Hester are not friends right now.

After reading the article you referred to, this line stood out to me.  So I have changed my stance, get what you can for him or cut him.  For what he was getting paid, that should have been enough for him to "feel it".

There is a lot more to this story. Stuff I alluded to near the end of the season.

Keep in mind I am not picking sides or even trying to throw anyone under the bus.

But it was well known within the ranks of the team - and other teams - that Cutler was ignoring his primaries... And secondaries. In fact, there were times he completely ignored the whole check down and just threw it to Marshall.

Marshall was targeted 181 times. The next closest was Alshon a 48.

Now, the argument I'm sure I'm goign to hear is "If I was Cutler I would have thrown to just Marshall as well - Hester dropped everything".


Cept, Hester had 4 drops last year. Marshall had 13...

And the other argument is Hester couldn't get open. But that's not true. Hester often drew single coverage and often was open.


I remember one play in partiular (although there were many) where Hester and Marshall were both running 9 patterns. Hester drew single coverage and made a double move. The CB tripped up a bit and Hester had at least 10-12 yards on him. On the other side, Marshall drew both safeties and the CB. Triple coverage. Cutler launched it to Marshall and it was easily picked off.


See - and again, I'm not taking a side here or even downplaying Marshalls contribution - But, Cutler basically ignored the play calls and anyone not named Marshall. Tice had zero control... By the end of a 16 game season like that, if I was Hester, I'd be kinda sick of that too.

It's safe to say Cutler and Hester are not friends right now.