The Facts: NFL Network's Ian Rapoport reported Tuesday that Hester likely will hit the free-agent market as the Bears have not attempted to re-sign him, according to a source who has spoken to the return specialist.

Diehards Line: Hester, who joined the Bears in 2006 after the team drafted him in the second round as a cornerback, has been selected to the Pro Bowl three times for his exploits fielding punts and kickoffs. He shares the record for most combined return touchdowns in NFL history (19) with Deion Sanders. In 2013, Hester compiled a career-high 1,436 kickoff return yards and an additional 256 yards and one touchdown from punt returns. It's not clear how much interest Hester will draw on the open market, especially given his more one-dimensional role last season. After registering at least 20 receptions leading up to 2013, Hester didn't catch a single pass last season.