Chicago Bears: Why Devin Hester Does NOT Deserve An Extension...Yet

Let me start off by saying how much I appreciate Jeff Joniak, the Chicago Bears' radio play-by-play man, for his work on 780 AM the past few years.

Obviously, the two things that really made me love Joniak was his coining of the nickname "The Windy City Flyer" to Devin Hester, and the infamous phrase, "Devin Hester, you are ridiculous!" I mean, who knew that these phrases would be so catchy?

When the Bears drafted Hester 56th overall in 2006, no one envisioned that this young man would change special teams in just two seasons. You know how some offenses and defenses would change gameplans because of one player?

Well, now teams have to start paying attention to Devin Hester, who broke an NFL record with six return TDs in his rookie season, then broke his own record in 2007 with seven return TD. This makes you wonder: why in the hell are teams kicking to him?

That's a great question, but there really is no answer. Here's what it boils down to: are you willing to take on the best returner in the game EVER with a bunch of second stringers against a unit that thrives on special teams, or give the Bears excellent field position and let a sporadic offense take control?

Quite frankly, I have no clue as to why teams even let him touch the ball on kicks. He can literally reach top speed in two steps, has unbelievable vision, and has an uncanny ability to avoid tacklers and make people miss. That, and he has the best special-teams group in the league with Dave Toub, the best ST coordinator in the league.

So, why does this man, who has set ridiculous return records in just two years, alter gameplans, make teams realize the significance of special teams, and has been the Bears' top "offensive" weapon for two years, not deserve an extension?

First of all, Hester has yet to establish himself as a wide receiver. If he wants to make the lucrative money that wide receivers make, he needs to establish himself as the go-to target for the Bears. He must learn how to run better routes and read defenses.

Secondly, he has to learn the playbook inside and out. Last year, there were too many times when he was just lost, and he looked completely out of place. Fortunately, with the help of Muhsin Muhammad, he was able to be in the right place, but it didn't work out all the time, thanks to the God-awful playcalling of Ron Turner.

Third, he still has two years left on his contract. Why should you even think about giving him a big deal before he has even proved himself as a wide receiver? Obviously, the Bears like him and want him to get plenty of looks, but they should be careful about this extension because A) he will need to develop as a wide receiver, and B) continue to be an effective kick/punt returner despite the fact that teams are gunning for him.

While he has enormous potential to be a dynamic playmaker on offense and special teams, the Bears should wait a while before they give Hester an extension.

Of course, I feel that he should be a Bear until the end, but I don't want the Bears throwing money to a guy who will only return kicks. We could be using that money to placate Urlacher or any other rising star that the Bears may have soon.

Jeff Joniak is correct. Devin Hester, you really are ridiculous...but your fans wouldn't have it any other way.