Bears Primary Scoring Threat Devin Hester Calls in Sick on First Day of Work

So much for my brilliant plan to save the Bears' season: move Rex Grossman to running back, try Kyle Orton at wideout and make Devin Hester the quarterback. The organization was able to extend the contract of middle linebacker Brian Urlacher, and sign first-round pick Chris Williams, but the most dangerous returner in the league was a no-show for the first day of work.

Apparently, Chicago's primary scoring threat thinks he's worth more than the two years and $2.86 million remaining on his rookie contract. I can't imagine anybody would disagree, particularly the Bears who, according to the Chicago Sun-Times, were in the process of hammering out a new deal:

Holding [Hester] out of camp is an interesting strategy since the Bears set precedent by re-doing Urlacher¹s contract because the player successfully argued he outplayed the value of the deal despite having four years remaining on it. Urlacher was considered a unique situation in the eyes of the franchise because of his status as a potential Hall of Fame talent.

Hester can make the same argument, and in fact, his value to the Bears might be even greater considering his contribution to a team with a moribund offense.

Hester has scored 11 special teams touchdowns in two seasons, and added two more offensive touchdowns in 2007. With holes at virtually every offensive skill position, Hester was sure to get more touches, primarily from the wide receiver position.

Assuming the two sides can come to an agreement, nothing should change -- Hester will remain the Bears' primary scoring threat -- and since the organization was already working on a new contract, I can't imagine the holdout lasts. It's just too bad Hester won't get a legit shot to win the QB job. That coulda been fun.

Hat tip: PFT

Reader Comments (Page 1 of 1)

7-23-2008 @ 10:14PM

billz said...

It figures a quality Player and the Mc Caskeys won't pay a cent . et they give a draft pick a 16 million dollar contract . Cmon Mc caskeys do the fans a favor and sell the team . the Bears will never win another superbowl while you are owners You're too cheap to get Quality Players

ken said...

they would be real morons not to get him what he wants,,,,,,,HE HAS SHOWN HE CAN GET THE JOB DONE

7-24-2008 @ 1:58AM

misterbears said...

just pay the man fkn bears .hes your offense lol .$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$$

7-24-2008 @ 11:51AM

jnel said...

Get Brett Favre to return kicks--no seriously-----pay Hester" middle ground "between the best kick return pay in the league -and the best WR pay in the league---he hasnt proved his staus at WR yet---but I would pay him middle ground between the 2 positions---he needs to be at practice to be the best WR in the league--he hasn't earned that yet................and Bears should have had this handled already-----and what is with dusty d? Hurt some more? I'll call him "Rusty D">>>. if he doesnt change his pattern----

7-25-2008 @ 12:15PM

HONZILLA23 said...

HESTER is the best at what he does.........wait
is a punt return expert yes
is he a #1 receiver.........no
the bears dont have a QB that could throw that far =D
he should be traded to the NE
MOSS on one side and HESTER on the other