Hester says 7 teams expressed interest after release from Falcons

Devin Hester has his sights set on playing one more season before calling it a career, and there indeed seems to be a market for his services.

The three-time All-Pro return man told Vaughn McClure of ESPN that seven teams reached out with interest immediately following his release from the Atlanta Falcons this week.

"Teams already have tried to sign me, but I'm not ready to go," Hester said. "We told teams that I'm not ready to practice, still rehabbing."

Hester is still working his way back from a January surgery to repair a broken bone in his big toe. The recovery for which has taken longer than expected, and walking away could become an option if he's still not healthy when the season is well underway.

"If I'm not healthy enough to play by October, I'm going to retire," he added.

When it comes time to hang up the cleats, be it after another season or before he has a chance to play, the 33-year-old says he wants to retire as a member of the Chicago Bears.

Hester earned consideration as the most dominant returner in NFL history during his eight seasons in Chicago. His 19 return touchdowns over that stretch brought him into a tie with Deion Sanders for most all-time, and his lone such score after joining the Falcons put him alone in the top spot.