The Falcons announced that they have released wide receiver/return specialist Devin Hester. 
Hester underwent toe surgery in January and is scheduled to earn $3MM in 2016, which made him a potential cap casualty. The 33-year-old Hester missed all but five games last season because of the issue and was pushing to make a full recovery this offseason. It would appear that the veteran has not bounced back in the way that Atlanta was hoping.
Hester joined the Falcons prior to the 2014 season and enjoyed his fourth Pro Bowl berth – his first since 2010. Hester returned 45 kicks for 1,128 yards and 18 punts for 240 yards, showing that he was still dangerous in the return game. It remains to be seen whether Hester will continue his NFL journey and build on his NFL record in return touchdowns (20) and punt return touchdowns (14).
With Hester out of the picture, Atlanta could turn to rookie wide receiver Devin Fuller, running back Tevin Coleman, or wide receiver Eric Weems to pick up the slack in the return game. As of this writing, the Falcons’ roster stands at 87 players.
Photo courtesy of USA Today Sports Images.