[News] Report: Ravens To Sign Veteran Returner Devin Hester

[RavensBaltimore]

Why didn't they wait until after the first game to sign him. At least that way they didn't have to guarantee his salary right? Very curious move signing a 33 yr old returner whose very job is to be fast. The first thing that goes away with age as far as I can tell is speed. So, clearly he outperformed expectations in his work out.

We probably brought in Hester for his experience, ability to consistently catch punts, vision, instincts, and decision making as much as his speed.

[ellicottraven]

7 minutes ago, RavensBaltimore said:

We probably brought in Hester for his experience, ability to consistently catch punts, vision, instincts, and decision making as much as his speed.

I understand that, but my real question was why not wait till after the first game to sign him because it would then allow us to cut him if he didn't work out for us. Now we are stuck with his salary for the full year.

[TheConquerorWorm]

Reynolds cleared waivers, and Arthur Brown scooped up by the Jags

Reynolds signed to Practice Squad, Brown claimed by Jax, Brooks claimed by Philly

[hen826957]

  43 minutes ago, stixfix69 said:

Reynolds cleared waivers, and Arthur Brown scooped up by the Jags

Reynolds signed to Practice Squad, Brown claimed by Jax, Brooks claimed by Philly

Dang Brooks. Ozzie mess up cutting him. ?

[hen826957]

The Ravens could take a look at Josh Sitton and cut Hurst. Having LT: Stanley, LG: Sitton, C: Zuttah, RG: Yanda, RT: Wagner would be a great OL for Joe and it would be a major upgrade. Lewis could be a great backup for LG and T but it depends on how much Sitton wants.

Edited September 4, 2016 by hen826957

[RavensBaltimore]

  43 minutes ago, RavensBaltimore said:

We probably brought in Hester for his experience, ability to consistently catch punts, vision, instincts, and decision making as much as his speed.

I understand that, but my real question was why not wait till after the first game to sign him because it would then allow us to cut him if he didn't work out for us. Now we are stuck with his salary for the full year.

I'm sure Ozzie is fully aware of that, so he must have a reason. Maybe other teams were showing interest. Maybe he wanted to bring him in before the first game to get him time to practice and be available for game 1.

[Steve32]

best move we've made all season

Very doubtful.

[fusuymada]

Jeremy Butler clearly got shafted by Harbaugh and Ozzie during his stay in Baltimore. No one did more to make this team, and now he is telling the Ravens to stick it. After being offered a practice squad spot with the Ravens he told Ozzie to shove it and instead signed with Tampa Bay's practice squad. I guess he figures if this team is too stupid to recognize talent it is time to move on. I am no big Butler fan and if you look at my posts you see that, but based on his production, even against starting competition, his hands, and ability to get open justified a spot. When the WRs we have couldn't get on the field, Butler was always there and always produces. Keep Hurst who is so bad he got picked up and pushed into our QB causing him to have knee surgery and letting go of Butler is just stupid. I am sorry and I never criticize the coach or GM and am often here defending them here but to say these roster cuts look like the work of an amateur is just echoing the sentiment of not only fans, but people who have reported on the Ravens for years.

[jboy19]

I think it's obvious that Hester isn't a long term plan. The FO waiting to sign him until after cuts shows that they assume they'll be cutting him during the season (and won't have to pay any guaranteed money). 

[The Greek]

brown brooks and butler will do nothing for those teams. they are dime a dozen type of players like the ones that leave us for the big $$ and get cut 2 years later like kruger. we will sign other cast offs for depth

[The Greek]

they should have called yamon figurs to return kicks for $10.00

[hen826957]

Jeremy Butler clearly got shafted by Harbaugh and Ozzie during his stay in Baltimore. No one did more to make this team, and now he is telling the Ravens to stick it. After being offered a practice squad spot with the Ravens he told Ozzie to shove it and instead signed with Tampa Bay's practice squad. I guess he figures if this team is too stupid to recognize talent it is time to move on. I am no big Butler fan and if you look at my posts you see that, but based on his production, even against starting competition, his hands, and ability to get open justified a spot. When the WRs we have couldn't get on the field, Butler was always there and always produces. Keep Hurst who is so bad he got picked up and pushed into our QB causing him to have knee surgery and letting go of Butler is just stupid. I am sorry and I never criticize the coach or GM and am often here defending them here but to say these roster cuts look like the work of an amateur is just echoing the sentiment of not only fans, but people who have reported on the Ravens for years.

Yeah your right. I really feel bad for Jermey Butler.

[FloridalovesRavens]

Jeremy Butler clearly got shafted by Harbaugh and Ozzie during his stay in Baltimore. No one did more to make this team, and now he is telling the Ravens to stick it. After being offered a practice squad spot with the Ravens he told Ozzie to shove it and instead signed with Tampa Bay's practice squad. I guess he figures if this team is too stupid to recognize talent it is time to move on. I am no big Butler fan and if you look at my posts you see that, but based on his production, even against starting competition, his hands, and ability to get open justified a spot. When the WRs we have couldn't get on the field, Butler was always there and always produces. Keep Hurst who is so bad he got picked up and pushed into our QB causing him to have knee surgery and letting go of Butler is just stupid. I am sorry and I never criticize the coach or GM and am often here defending them here but to say these roster cuts look like the work of an amateur is just echoing the sentiment of not only fans, but people who have reported on the Ravens for years.

He didn't get the shaft my friend. This is a dog eat dog business and I'm quite sure they know what they are doing after all this time. It remains to be seen what happens now. I am sure the Ravens are not committing suicide. Take it easy ok.

[Fastynart]

Oh, yeah, he WAS one of the most prolific return men in NFL history. The key word is WAS. Why do you think he was available? He is over the hill. I would have kept Butler, who proved he belonged but got the ax anyway.

[JimmyBlack]

Having a guy on the squad who is a proven kickoff and punt returner will mean a world of difference. For those who may have forgotten how important this is and how much we've missed it recently watch this: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=HPRQIx8qFGY

[slowboater]

Jeremy Butler clearly got shafted by Harbaugh and Ozzie during his stay in Baltimore. No one did more to make this team, and now he is telling the Ravens to stick it. After being offered a practice squad spot with the Ravens he told Ozzie to shove it and instead signed with Tampa Bay's practice squad. I guess he figures if this team is too stupid to recognize talent it is time to move on. I am no big Butler fan and if you look at my posts you see that, but based on his production, even against starting competition, his hands, and ability to get open justified a spot. When the WRs we have couldn't get on the field, Butler was always there and always produces. Keep Hurst who is so bad he got picked up and pushed into our QB causing him to have knee surgery and letting go of Butler is just stupid. I am sorry and I never criticize the coach or GM and am often here defending them here but to say these roster cuts look like the work of an amateur is just echoing the sentiment of not only fans, but people who have reported on the Ravens for years.

I too wished for Butler to make the cut. With that said, is he better than SSS? Wallace? Aiken? That brings us to Perriman and Moore. He isn't going to be chosen over #1 Perriman and Moore is faster and with as much or more upside. I thought for sure he would be the #6 WR. Obviously, he wanted a change of scenery as he was offered the PS again. He is from Sarasota, so he is going home. I will follow him and see if he surfaces in TB.

[designermaryland]

I think it's obvious that Hester isn't a long term plan. The FO waiting to sign him until after cuts shows that they assume they'll be cutting him during the season (and won't have to pay any guaranteed money). 

I think if you are on the roster for the week 1 game, the salary is guaranteed. it is not based on this cut down roster deadline. so they would need to wait until the tuesday after the Bills game if that were the case. so apparently, they are desperate enough to give him the full contract, whatever that may be.

[jboy19]

24 minutes ago, designermaryland said:

I think if you are on the roster for the week 1 game, the salary is guaranteed. it is not based on this cut down roster deadline. so they would need to wait until the tuesday after the Bills game if that were the case. so apparently, they are desperate enough to give him the full contract, whatever that may be.

I think just the signing bonus is guaranteed by week one, either way it looks like a lot of the contract is incentives. 

I'm just of the opinion that the sooner we move towards someone else as returner the better. 

Edited September 4, 2016 by jboy19

[January J]

3 hours ago, ellicottraven said:

I understand that, but my real question was why not wait till after the first game to sign him because it would then allow us to cut him if he didn't work out for us. Now we are stuck with his salary for the full year.

I will be interested to see the terms of the contract once  details are released. Wonder if he signed some type of injury clause like we wanted Long to? Obviously he must have impressed in his workout... I don't mind bringing him in before week one even if it guarantees his salary. If he helps us win on opening day its well worth it. Could be the deciding factor of  getting the season started on the right foot and  one game  could be  the difference in a division title. One 65 yard run back could put tucker in range to win it. Its a game of inches.

[Halshayeji]

Give some of that U swag back!!!!

 

Welcome to Bmore Hester!!!! I already love you!

 

This is a SSS 2.0 happening all over again. All them haters can go ahead and hate. I know the best returner in the history of the NFL will make them swallow their words 

[cobrajet]

I know a return specialist is like a long snapper. You only use him for a few plays a game, but in all seriousness....you really need someone who knows what they are doing. Maybe Hester lost a step, but the guy probably has the most experience of anyone in the NFL making returns and has less chance of getting rattled or making a bad decision. Thank God we are long past the David Reed years and we won't have to worry about risking injury to guys like Webb or SSS.