The Baltimore Ravens surprisingly cut Devin Hester on Tuesday following the team’s loss to the New England Patriots on Monday night.
We have waived WR/RS Devin Hester.
Story to follow.
— Baltimore Ravens (@Ravens) December 13, 2016
Hester, the most dynamic kick/punt returner the NFL has ever known, has scored 19 career touchdowns on punt and kick returns.
This year, he has the NFL’s ninth-highest kickoff return average this year (24.5 yards per return) but has been far less dynamic on punt returns, averaging just 7.2 yards per return. Interestingly, the team the Ravens just lost to on Monday night could potentially be interested in Hester, having a need at the return man position.
The #Ravens have released WR/KR Devin Hester following last night's game. Interesting with the #Patriots having return issues
— Ian Rapoport (@RapSheet) December 13, 2016
As a receiver, Hester’s current value is practically nil. The last time he caught a pass in an NFL game was in 2014 as a member of the Atlanta Falcons. Still, a contending team looking for a home-run threat as a returner would be smart to pick Hester up heading into the playoffs.