Eric

Weems

At first glance, it’s an odd fit with Devin Hester locked in on punt returns. Weems has been an All-Pro special teamer in the past, but he has just 24 receptions in 54 career games. The move suggests the Bears can’t count on Johnny Knox for kickoff returns in 2012. Weems has been a favorite of GM Phil Emery, who was in Atlanta before Kansas City and Chicago.

GM Phil Emery noted the team’s “very strong tradition of having multiple returners and having more than one weapon as a punt and kick returner” in explaining the move. We suspect Hester will remain the primary punt returner with Weems concentrating mainly on kickoff returns and special teams coverage. Neither will have a major offensive role.

Of course, Weems is a free agent himself, so this is already taking a big leap. Weems also has just 24 receptions in 54 career games since entering the NFL as an undrafted free agent in 2008. Though Weems was a 2010 All-Pro special teamer, he would not be a realistic third receiver for the Falcons.

Hester will still be the primary punt returner, but his kickoff-return chores will “depend on how the game is going” and how many touches he’s getting on offense. As usual, we expect Hester’s offensive role to pale in comparison to the coaching staff’s offseason expectations. Eric Weems and Devin Thomas are the primary candidates to return kickoffs.

“It depends on how many plays I get on offense,” said Hester. “But I know I’m going to be put back there in crunch-time situations anyway. There’s no question about it.” As is the case every September, Hester’s offensive snaps are expected to increase. By November, the coaching staff will once again realize that he’s best utilized as a stud returner with a niche offensive role.

Hester is out for Week 13 with a concussion, but Weems would have handled return duties either way. Hester is averaging 25.5 yards per return this season but only has a long return of 38 yards. Weems was sent to the Pro Bowl in 2010 as a return man with the Falcons.

Weems rarely sees the field on offense (he wasn’t targeted over 17 offensive snaps in 2016), but plays an important role on special teams. Last year he served as the Falcons’ primary kick returner, averaging 23 yards per attempt. He should be used in a similar capacity in Tennessee.

Weems signed a “two-year, $2.3 million” deal in March, but the contract included only $275,000 guaranteed. Weems will resume searching for special teams work.

The Titans made room for him by placing Harry Douglas (knee) on injured reserve. Weems was only out of a job for 24 hours after being cut by Tennessee on Saturday. He’ll likely be limited to special teams work.

Weems would rather shop his wares on the open market than take a cut, though at this point, the money difference is likely to be minimal. Cutting Weems would clear $1.1 million in cap space for the Bears.