UPDATE: THE CONTRACT EXTENDS HESTER THROUGH THE 2013 SEASON. IT IS WORTH 30 MILLION WITH 15 UP FRONT AND WITH INCENTIVES COULD REACH 40 MILLION.
Devin Hester was the last remaining issue the Bears had left to deal with aside from figuring out just who would be starting for us. Now they have checked that one off the list.
Devin Hester and the Bears have agreed on a new 4-year extension making him a Bear through 2012.
The two-time Pro Bowler stands just two kick return touchdowns shy from tying the all-time NFL career record of 13 set by Brian Mitchell (14 seasons, 1070 returns). In two seasons, Hester has 89 punt returns for 1,251 yards, seven touchdowns and a 14.1 average - highest in NFL history. On 63 kickoff returns Hester has 1,462 yards, four touchdowns and a 23.2 average. The Riviera Beach, FL native has also recorded a 108-yard missed field goal return touchdown (tying a then-NFL record for longest play in league history) and a 92-yard kickoff return score on the opening play of Super Bowl XLI.
Terms of the deal have not been disclosed, but I cannot recall a time I was as interested in seeing what the terms are.