Seahawks signing return specialist Devin Hester
Jan 3, 2017, 7:09 PM | Updated: Jan 4, 2017, 11:17 am
Devin Hester's 20 career return touchdowns are the most in NFL history. (AP)
(AP)
The Seahawks are signing Devin Hester, adding one of the most prolific return specialists in NFL history as they enter the postseason without Tyler Lockett.
Jay Glazer of FOX Sports was the first two report the move Tuesday night. The Seahawks have not announced Hester’s signing, but a source confirmed that it’s expected to happen. Hester also confirmed it himself by posting a picture to Instagram of his Seahawks locker stall with the number 17 next to his name.
A separate report from ESPN’s Adam Caplan stated that Seattle plans to waive rookie safety Tyvis Powell, which would clear a spot for Hester on the team’s 53-man roster.
Hester has 20 return touchdowns since entering the NFL in 2006, which is the most in league history. He’s third all-time in punt return yardage (3,695), 11th in kickoff return yardage (7,333) and eighth in combined return yardage (11,028).
He’s also 34 years old, which means he’s probably lost a step from when he was at his fastest. Hester appeared in 12 games this season with Baltimore before he was released last month. He was averaging 7.2 yards per punt return, down from his career average of 11.7. His 24.5-yard average on kickoff returns was right around his career mark of 24.9.
Listen: “Brock and Salk” on how Devin Hester can help the Seahawks
The Seahawks have used two kickoff returners since Lockett went down with a broken leg during Seattle’s loss to Arizona on Christmas Eve. Wide receiver Paul Richardson took over in the second half of that game and then shared those duties last week in San Francisco with recently-signed rookie running back J.D. McKissic. Cornerback Richard Sherman has mostly been a designated fair-catcher as Seattle’s punt returner in Lockett’s absence.
Asked earlier Tuesday where things stand with the team’s return situation, coach Pete Carroll gave what in retrospect seems like a hint that a move was in the offing.
“So far, pretty much like last week,” he said. “Stands the same until something changes.”
Hester entered the NFL as a second-round pick in 2006 by Chicago, where he spent his first eight seasons. He played for Atlanta in 2014 and 2015, earning his fourth career Pro Bowl selection with the Falcons, and was with Baltimore earlier this year. Of his 20 career return touchdowns, 14 of them were on punts, five were kickoffs and the other was was a missed field goal that he caught and brought back 108 yards for a score.
Powell was one of five safeties on Seattle’s roster and had played sparingly this season, appearing in only eight games and a healthy scratch for the last four.
It’s all love for the @Seahawks are u kidding me! They gave me an opportunity to live my child hood dream. I’m forever grateful for that. 💯
— Tyvis Powell (@1Tyvis) January 4, 2017
