Hester strikes it rich

A much richer and healthier Devin Hester is expected to join his teammates in today's 3 p.m. practice after agreeing to terms on a four-year contract extension that contains $15 million in guaranteed money and a total of $30 million minimum but could be worth up to $40 million if he reaches all the incentives.
According to ESPN.com, the final year of the deal, 2013, includes a $10 million roster bonus if Hester reaches performance levels of a No. 1 receiver over the course of the deal. Hester's base pay for this season is $445,000.
Troubled by the slow pace of negotiations, Hester staged a two-day holdout at the start of training camp but reported early Friday morning, although he has not practiced. He and the Bears cited a hamstring “injury” as the reason for the two-time Pro Bowl return specialist's inactivity. That “injury” is expected to be cured about the same time as the paper work on the new deal is completed.
In just two seasons, Hester already has 11 kick-return touchdowns (7 punts and 4 kickoffs), just 2 shy of the NFL career record established by Brian Mitchell over 14 seasons. Hester led the NFC with a 15.5-yard punt-return average and 4 touchdowns last season, and he also caught 20 passes for 299 yards as a part-time receiver.
But this season Hester and the Bears expect that he will become a major player in the passing game. Coach Lovie Smith believes he can soon His potential to become an elite receiver complicated negotiations and required the inclusion of incentives for playing time and other factors.