Darius Reynaud Could Be Devin Hester’s Replacement In Chicago

Aug 29, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Tennessee Titans running back Darius Reynaud (25) rushes against the Minnesota Vikings in the third quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 24-23. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

The Chicago Bears let one of the franchise’s most legendary players walk when they elected not to re-sign big-play return man Devin Hester.

Now the Bears are searching around for someone to take Hester’s place as their kick returner. Enter former Vikings return specialist Darius Reynaud?

It’s a long way from being in the bag, but Reynaud is reportedly getting a look. He worked out for the Bears on Wednesday according to Adam Caplan.

Reynaud spent the 2008-2009 seasons with the Vikings, developing a reputation in that time as a solid returner. He left after 2009 to join the Giants and therefore wasn’t on hand for the disasters of 2010 and 2011 (lucky him).

Reynaud’s last significant stop was in Tennessee where, in 2012, he tied an NFL record by returning two punts for touchdowns in the same game.

More prominent in the minds of Titans’ fans is the muffed punt Reynaud suffered late last year against the 49ers, which squashed a rally attempt by Tennessee and pretty much ended any chance Reynaud had of becoming mayor of Nashville.

Reynaud was run out of town shortly after that debacle against San Francisco, and wound up ending the 2013 season with the Jets.

Obviously, no one will ever replace Devin Hester in Chicago. But Reynaud is a viable return man and could be a decent weapon for the Bears as they seek to get back some of the special teams firepower they lost by letting Hester bolt.

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