National Football League

Falcons sign return specialist Devin Hester

Published Mar. 20, 2014 4:24 p.m. ET

foxsports

FLOWERY BRANCH, Ga. -- The Atlanta Falcons have agreed to terms with return specialist Devin Hester.

The team announced the deal Thursday. The 31-year-old Hester is a three-time Pro-Bowler who last year tied an NFL record with his 19th scoring return in eight seasons with the Chicago Bears. Coming off a dismal 4-12 season, the Falcons are hoping he can bolster a unit that ranked 28th in the league in kickoff return yards and 21st in punt return yards.

Hester has scored on 13 punt returns, five kickoff returns and off a missed field goal. In 2013, he led the NFL in kickoff return yards (1,436) and total return yards (1,692).

In addition, Hester has 217 receptions for 2,807 yards and 14 touchdowns in his career.

Terms of Hester's contract were not immediately available.