Atlanta Falcons Rumors: Devin Hester Could Be Cut Before 2016 Season

Devin Hester is entering the 2016 NFL season hoping to be able to make an impact for the Atlanta Falcons. He has not made much of an impact throughout his first two seasons with the team and could be playing for his job in training camp and preseason action. Atlanta is set to pay him a base salary of $3 million for the upcoming year.

Looking ahead at the upcoming season, there are some doubts about Hester being kept around by the Falcons. Vaughn McClure of ESPN.com stated that Hester is the veteran to watch from a roster cut perspective ahead of the regular season.

Over the past two years combined, Hester has caught just 38 passes for 504 yards and two touchdowns. He has returned one punt for a touchdown with the Falcons back in 2014, but last year didn’t make much of an impact in the return game either. That doesn’t mean that he has nothing left in the tank, but it does mean that the Falcons would consider cutting him if he doesn’t grab their attention ahead of the season.

At 33-years-old, the former superstar kick returner is faced with a very difficult road ahead to work his way back into a role with the Falcons.

Hester has never been a true wide receiver, although his speed has allowed him to be used as an offensive weapon. The NFL has been taking more opportunities away from kick return specialists with the rules they have been putting into place in recent years. Players like Hester who specialize in returning kicks are a dying breed, to say the least.

There is another concern that could factor into the Falcons’ final decision. Hester is coming off of surgery this past offseason to correct an issue with his toe. If he is not at 100 percent, it would be hard for the team to stick with him.

While it would be tough to be cut due to an injury, Hester says he would understand the decision if the Falcons did indeed decide to part ways with him due to his recovery.

“If my toe isn’t ready, then I can’t fault them for letting me go because it’s a business.”

All of that being said, it is far from being a sure thing that Hester will end up getting cut by the Falcons. If he is able to bounce back strong and quickly from his surgery, he will once again be a threat in the punt return game. Atlanta cannot afford to throw away potential playmakers on either side of the football.

Even though he looked to have slowed down a bit over the past couple seasons, Hester is still capable of a big run back at any given moment.

Needless to say, the stage has been set for what should be an entertaining preseason for the Falcons. Hester is hoping to get back on-the-field and prove his worth to Atlanta. Seeing him bounce back with one more big year would be great to see after the superstar career he has had.

Expect to hear plenty of rumors surrounding Hester and the Falcons as the preseason draws closer. He certainly could be on the chopping block, but it is too early to say for sure at this point. Atlanta has a tough decision to make, although Hester being a fan favorite helps his case.

Do you think that the Atlanta Falcons should cut Devin Hester when everything is said and done? Do you think that Hester can bounce back with a big season in 2016 and prove he still has some gas left in the tank? Let us know your thoughts in the comment box below!

[AP Photo/John Bazemore]