5 Players Ravens Must Move On From In 2017
By Joe Schiller
Devin Hester Sr.
An interesting move by the Ravens in the off-season that sparked some life into the fans. The Ravens signed Devin Hester to a 1-year $4 million dollar deal. Hester is arguably the best kick/punt returner of all time. Since the absence of Jacoby Jones, the Ravens have not had the same production at the return spot. Experiments with Michael Campanaro and Kaelin Clay seemed to be short-term solutions to a long-term problem.
Hester’s season so far has been a disappointment to say the least. The Ravens have had no plan to use him in the receiving game and the return game is abysmal. The Ravens have missed out on Hester’s prime and it is time to move on. He has only eclipsed one 20+ yard kick return and has fumbled 4 times. There are punts that could easily be picked up and returned, but Hester is letting them roll right past him. Not only does this look bad on him, but it puts the offense in bad field position.
The Ravens have other viable options that they can try at the return game for a cheaper price. Michael Campanero is currently on the practice squad and could make his way back to the 53 man roster soon. 6th round draft pick Keenan Reynolds is also on the practice squad and is another option the Ravens could use. I do not expect Baltimore would re-sign Hester and I would not be surprised for them to cut him before the season is over. He has not lived up to the hype and is not worth the $4 million that the Ravens are paying him.