Bears make Hester happy, give him new contract

Bears agree to new four-year deal with Hester

The Chicago Bears signed Devin Hester to a four-year contract extension Sunday that creatively accounts for his transition from kick returner to a full-time wide receiver.

The four-year deal is worth at least $30 million, of which $15 million is guaranteed. But according to a source, it also includes a $10 million roster bonus in the final year if Hester reaches performance levels of a No. 1 receiver over the course of the contract. The bonus "de-escalates" to account for performance below the level of a No. 1 receiver.

The maneuver is similar to the one Chicago gave defensive tackle Tommie Harris in June. Harris has a de-escalator clause that requires him to make the Pro Bowl in three consecutive years, among other requirements, in order to reach the maximum level of bonus money in the deal.

The team announced the deal Sunday. Hester skipped the first two days of training camp because he wanted to renegotiate his contract, which had two years left. Hester returned to camp Friday, saying there was progress in the negotiations.

He said he skipped practices to make a statement that he was serious about a new deal.

Hester's previous contract was for $445,000 for the 2008 season.

Information from ESPN.com senior writer John Clayton and The Associated Press was used in this report.

We have an off-season disscusion forum for a reason. SPfx, put all these kinds of stories thereThordain0011

Sorry mate, will do from now on.

[QUOTE="Thordain0011"]We have an off-season disscusion forum for a reason. SPfx, put all these kinds of stories therespfx30

Sorry mate, will do from now on.

This is a legit topic I think though, or at least it would be if you pose a question with it: Is a Kick Returner, even Devin Hester, worth that much money?

[QUOTE="spfx30"]

[QUOTE="Thordain0011"]We have an off-season disscusion forum for a reason. SPfx, put all these kinds of stories therewallymartin

Sorry mate, will do from now on.

This is a legit topic I think though, or at least it would be if you pose a question with it: Is a Kick Returner, even Devin Hester, worth that much money?

Lets be honest it is pretty obvious the Bears aren't so hot on offense they need Hester, Hester is one of the only if not the only player on the Bears offense that can be defined as a threat absolutely worth every cent...

Yeah, I agree with DLateral here. Hester has been a weapon almost every season. So, I think he's worth the money. :)spfx30

Almost every season? He's been in the NFL for 2 years.

devin hester definitly deserved the extension hes probablythe best player on th bears besides urlacher. good to see them take care of him hes a special player.

devin hester definitly deserved the extension hes probablythe best player on th bears besides urlacher. good to see them take care of him hes a special player.

DemBoys46290

Briggs >Hester and their are a few other people on that defense who arguebaly are better then Hester

devin hester definitly deserved the extension hes probablythe best player on th bears besides urlacher.

DemBoys46290

I'll believe that when I see Hester doing things besides returning kicks

[QUOTE="spfx30"]Yeah, I agree with DLateral here. Hester has been a weapon almost every season. So, I think he's worth the money. :)wallymartin

Almost every season? He's been in the NFL for 2 years.

Yeah, I know. I stated almost because it's not like he made a game-changing play every game. Still, though, he was a weapon.