Devin Hester Anyone?
December 15th, 2016
Once upon a time in 2014, an offensive coordinator finally figured out how to capitalize effectively on Devin Hester’s receiving talent.
His name was Dirk Koetter.
Hester caught 38 balls on 59 targets for 504 yards and two touchdowns with the Falcons in 2014, where Koetter was calling the plays.
Many years ago, former Bears head coach Lovie Smith tried to force Hester into a premier receiver role that didn’t suit him. But in Atlanta, Koetter found a complementary role for Koetter that worked.
Joe brings this up because Hester is a free man on the street after getting waived by the Ravens this week. Hester had a bad year returning kicks and punts. Guys don’t get cut because they’re good at what they do.
But the Ravens weren’t asking Hester to play receiver. And with the Bucs rolling with the likes of Josh Huff, Freddie Martino, Russell Shepard and The Stampeder, Donteea Dye, in this playoff run, Joe thinks Hester is worth bringing in for a conversation and a workout.
What’s the harm?
Koetter has said repeatedly that bringing in a veteran who knows Koetter’s system and/or possesses a trust factor with him is important for a guy joining the roster midseason. See Cecil Shorts, Antone Smith, Jacquizz Rodgers, Mike James and others.
Hester, 34, certainly fits that mold and he’s always been a top-flight NFL citizen. Joe would feel very good about Hester joining the roster for the final push.
December 15th, 2016 at 10:31 am
Sure why not?
I guess Roddy White’s play had to really be bad last year because he never got a shot with any team this season
December 15th, 2016 at 10:32 am
Joe has had too much Lichts Ale this morning. I would pass on this guy. Def not the hester he used to be. Rather go with the young Josh Huff he will bounce back after that blunder he had last week.
December 15th, 2016 at 10:42 am
No way, move on
December 15th, 2016 at 10:44 am
My favorite Hestor moment: Lovie Smith’s 3rd game as Bucs head coach and first time facing Hestor as an opponent. What does Lovie do? Kicks it right to Hestor. What does Hestor do? Runs it right back for a quick 6. I knew at that moment that Lovie was a terrible coach and the Bucs were going nowhere with him at the helm. That’s only partially true, after Mariotta torched us in Lovie’s first game I knew he was a terrible coach.
December 15th, 2016 at 10:46 am
We have been getting it done with what we have. Might as well stick to it and develope these guys.
December 15th, 2016 at 10:48 am
Why is it that some people want to pick up any guy who hits the streets.
Devin Hester should not even be in the NFL anymore. He’s useless.
December 15th, 2016 at 10:53 am
I want both hester and m.floyd….don’t want to see VHG returning punts for risk of injury…Floyd can be a nice #2wr…I think our locker room is strong enough for him….cards have no offensive leadership besides larry….GO BUCS!!!
December 15th, 2016 at 10:59 am
Michael Floyd.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:01 am
Pass..
December 15th, 2016 at 11:03 am
It’s funny when there’s a player the Joe(s) want they are an advocate. When some else brings it up it’s “Good football players aren’t walking the streets in November” or whatever months it is…
Pass
December 15th, 2016 at 11:05 am
You would be the worst gm in the history of professional sports.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:06 am
I’d rather Floyd that Hester.
Floyd, although he made a mistake (which he made in college) is younger and has more upside at this point in his career than Hester does.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:06 am
No thanks
December 15th, 2016 at 11:07 am
As a Cane’s I will never forget the KO return against the Gators to Open the season. I was like WTF was that. I used 4Hester as an email account for years. With that being said my man is done. NFL rules changes really screwed him.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:10 am
hell naw.. NEXT
December 15th, 2016 at 11:16 am
NO GAS LEFT IN HIS TANK, RAVENS CUT HIM
December 15th, 2016 at 11:19 am
Apparently some of you forgot Huff’s brilliant “return” last Sunday! That’s a mistake Hester won’t make.
I’d take him over the Stampeder!
December 15th, 2016 at 11:25 am
he was cut to promote a practice squad player. i think i read he was having trouble fielding kicks for some reason. we already have a younger, more explosive return man with that issue
December 15th, 2016 at 11:28 am
I still think Huff will show up this week, Dirk has already put in plays for this guy. One week in a game with the team does not mean he can’t be productive. Look how we dogged Keith Tandy for one play against the Rams, but he has been a solid backup since he has been here, that wasn’t his first game clinching interception against the Saint. Real fan will remember, the isn’t in the end zone. I digress, don’t think Josh Huff forgot how to play and run fast, not only that I truly believe no matter what Dirk says, he held some things back against the Saints
December 15th, 2016 at 11:34 am
Shepard, and even Martino to a lesser degree, are both gamers who have stepped up big time once the opportunities have been presented.
Huff, Floyd and Hester can all compete to fall in line behind them and may the best receiver win.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:38 am
No
December 15th, 2016 at 11:40 am
Hellz to the no! He is done. Thirty four years old and has never proven himself as a reliable receiver. His wheels are pretty much gone. There isn’t much more value there to be had.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:41 am
Get Michael Flyod
December 15th, 2016 at 11:49 am
I heard on the radio here in Philly that if Floyd is claimed and he walks as a FA next year you still get the compensatory pick. He’s worth the claim just for that if it’s true. People are clammering for the Eagles to claim him.
Joe are you able to confirm?
December 15th, 2016 at 11:56 am
No to Hester. And can everyone please stop the Floyd nonsense.
December 15th, 2016 at 11:59 am
Go get MFloyd sitting down for the rest of the season have him get his life in order and the #2 receiver position is solved for the next 5 years
December 15th, 2016 at 12:09 pm
Pass on Michael Floyd too.
December 15th, 2016 at 1:06 pm
Hester literally watched a punt roll out of bounds the other night, according to the Baltimore sports folks he has shown literally no interest in playing anymore.
December 15th, 2016 at 1:16 pm
Well I assume we are all talking about a three game + (playoffs) deal here.
This is obviously not a move for the future. Hester is not Mr. Right but I do take Joe’s point he might be Mr. Right Now.
I’m the oddball here who is not panicked over our WR situation. Yeah I think we should include a premier draft pick next year to build for the long term but right now if you just look at weapons and don’t obsess on any position we are in good shape.
#3 has targets..starting with perhaps the best WR in the league…and then a very competent if not spectacular tight end who has dependable hands and the brains to get open. That’s not a bad one two punch. What if they’re covered.
Sims out of the slot or backfield. Martin out of the backfield. Myers another TE who has enjoyed years with more than 40 catches in this league.
And I like our group of no names who are now busy trying to make names. Gotta love Shep and the guys.
Bottom line is that #3 and Koetter have weapons to choose from even it it’s not the #2 or #3 WR.
December 15th, 2016 at 2:09 pm
Hell no lets get malcom floyd we can use him
December 15th, 2016 at 2:59 pm
34 yrs old? Pretty sure he has lost a step or 2 or dozen. When all you had was speed, and you lose it, you’ve got nothing. Good luck in retirement Mr. Hester.
December 15th, 2016 at 5:36 pm
Joe loves his 40 year old has-been receivers for some reason. No dice on this guy, he does not possess elite or even good speed anymore.
December 15th, 2016 at 7:27 pm
I agree with ya celly
“I’d rather Floyd that Hester.
Floyd, although he made a mistake (which he made in college) is younger and has more upside at this point in his career than Hester does.”
Eric, Has a good Idea, In sitting down Mr. Floyd and allowing him to honestly help himself and those of us who share the highways with him. Now working on convincing ownership this will be a successful investment, though call.
Right on Stpetebucsfan, “And I like our group of no names who are now busy trying to make names. Gotta love Shep and the guys.”
I say Pass on Mr. Hester. Hoist up the main sails with the players we have.
Go Bucs!
December 15th, 2016 at 8:59 pm
No thanks