[News] Devin Hester Will Be Ravens' Returner From The Start

[BR News]

The veteran says his toe is fully healthy and feels he’s ready to contribute right away because of the depth of his experience and familiarity with the Ravens’ scheme.

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[KidNme]

Wow, that was last minute. Not a bad deal for sure as he'll be able to field punts and kicks right away but we never got to "kick the tires" on the guy and he'll be starting against Buffalo. I guess it's better than having Camp back there. One of the only times I've seen a return guy fumble the ball twice on one return! :-)

[wmarkel]

I Think paying Hester $4 mil for one year is somewhat steep. Can't believe they could not find someone on the team to do the job, and save that slot for another player.

[ellicottraven]

I Think paying Hester $4 mil for one year is somewhat steep. Can't believe they could not find someone on the team to do the job, and save that slot for another player.

I think it was steep as well, but I know that the Ravens aren’t going to pay more than market price so that must have been the money it would take to get him signed...

[Halshayeji]

I love me some Hester! Bring some of that U swag back! Wish we got you a few years ago but il gladly take you at 33 years young. Welcome to Bmore!

[Crusader]

Having a returned nowadays is like have a record player, Yea there nice but do you really need it?

[bigcatfrank1]

Having a returned nowadays is like have a record player, Yea there nice but do you really need it?

Thats like saying, do you really need to recover turnovers. Kick /Punt returns can change field position. Good ones may only happen 1 or 2 times a game and a great one on the rare side... however great ones are game changers.

[sizzlingdoom]

Having a returned nowadays is like have a record player, Yea there nice but do you really need it?

let's think about that...did we really need that kickoff returned for a TD in order to win the SB. YES. I'm guessing a lot of the same people that are doubting Hester cuz of age doubted Smitty for the same reason when he came over. We're talking about two rare cats here. Hall of Famers. I guess ravens fans don't realize he was a pro bowler and the best returner in the league only 2 years ago. Beautiful signing Ozzie. An amazing playmaker that fills a huge need. Perfect fit for both sides. And people, he'll prob only male 4 mill if he has an insane year! In which case it's worth it either way. Can't wait for the Hester haters to take a 180 and jump on the bandwagon once they see this guy help our team. LOL. CANT WAIT

[Halshayeji]

5 hours ago, Crusader said:

Having a returned nowadays is like have a record player, Yea there nice but do you really need it?

I don't agree but I think it's hillarious when you say it like that lol

[Steve32]

I Think paying Hester $4 mil for one year is somewhat steep. Can't believe they could not find someone on the team to do the job, and save that slot for another player.

It's a "potential" of $4 mil if you include incentives, not a base.

[Tank 92]

7 hours ago, Crusader said:

Having a returned nowadays is like have a record player, Yea there nice but do you really need it?

Thinking you may not know about the rule changes for KOs.

[Tank 92]

It's great that we'll have an X factor fielding kicks again, potential game changer. Hope he is and remains healthy.

[Rav'n Maniac]

I can't wait to see him contribute. I'm expecting most teams to kick deep to keep it out of his hands and put it on the 25. PR's is where I expect to see a change in field position. Did he really have to wear a bears hat to his 1st presser though.

[hen826957]

I can't wait to see him contribute. I'm expecting most teams to kick deep to keep it out of his hands and put it on the 25. PR's is where I expect to see a change in field position. Did he really have to wear a bears hat to his 1st presser though.

Yeah weird. He shouldn't wear a Bears hat at all.

[Ravens nation 20]

28 minutes ago, hen826957 said:

Yeah weird. He shouldn't wear a Bears hat at all.

It's a Cincinati Reds hat.

[sami]

  39 minutes ago, hen826957 said:

Yeah weird. He shouldn't wear a Bears hat at all.

It's a Cincinati Reds hat.

That's even worse!

[trevorsteadman]

2 hours ago, Steve32 said:

It's a "potential" of $4 mil if you include incentives, not a base.

You are correct.

13 hours ago, wmarkel said:

I Think paying Hester $4 mil for one year is somewhat steep. Can't believe they could not find someone on the team to do the job, and save that slot for another player.

Not a steep price when it is all incentives for one of the best kick returners in recent history. Especially when your team adores special teams and all preseason we were starting within our own 20 yard line every kick return.

[January J]

Let's just hope he's not rusty and he's ready to go Sunday. I don't care if we see anything razzle dazzle as long he catches the ball cleanly without muffing it- and makes smart  and sound decisions. I.E not taking the ball out of the endzone from 6 yards deep or running backwards on a punt to try and create space that isnt there. Just be consistent and hit the holes that are there. Big plays will come.

[hen826957]

  2 hours ago, hen826957 said:

Yeah weird. He shouldn't wear a Bears hat at all.

It's a Cincinati Reds hat.

Oh yeah it is a Cincinnati Reds hat because the hat is red not orange. Your right.

[Fastynart]

There is a reason Hester was available. All this claptrap about past performance doesn't bode well for what we need now. The Ravens did nothing to address their meager kick off and return game, and now, they roll the dice on a guy who is 33, coming off an average year. This reeks of desperation. When you hear stuff like "depth of experience" and "familiarity with the scheme", look out. Another reason to cross our fingers.

[Tank 92]

15 minutes ago, Fastynart said:

There is a reason Hester was available. All this claptrap about past performance doesn't bode well for what we need now. The Ravens did nothing to address their meager kick off and return game, and now, they roll the dice on a guy who is 33, coming off an average year. This reeks of desperation. When you hear stuff like "depth of experience" and "familiarity with the scheme", look out. Another reason to cross our fingers.

Well, he says there were others interested but felt the Ravens were the best fit for him.   And even if it is a gamble they have little to lose. So what's the big deal?

Personally I feel like he is going to kick butt