Bears Signing Matt Forte & Devin Hester To One-Day Contracts To Retire With Chicago

The Chicago Bears announced Wednesday that they’re signing RB Matt Forte and WR/KR Devin Hester to one-day contracts next week to retire as members of the franchise.

Big day coming up for these two – Devin Hester & Matt Forte will both officially retire as Chicago Bears on Monday. pic.twitter.com/9Weuv4Og3s

— Chicago Bears (@ChicagoBears) April 18, 2018

This explains why the Jets recently released Forte.

Forte, 32, is a former second-round pick of the Bears back in 2008. He spent eight years in Chicago before signing a three-year, $12 million contract that contained $8 million guaranteed with the Jets in 2016.

The Jets elected to cut Forte loose this offseason.

For his career, Forte rushed for 9,796 yards on 2,356 carries (4.2 YPC) to go along with 554 receptions and 4,672 yards receiving and 89 total touchdowns over the course of 10 seasons and 146 games.

Forte was a two-time Pro Bowl selection.

Hester, 35, is a former second-round pick of the Bears back in 2006. After eight years with the Bears, Hester signed a three-year, $9 million contract with Atlanta and was set to make a base salary of $3.5 million for the 2016 season when the Falcons released him during the offseason.

The Ravens later signed him to a one-year contract at the start of the 2016 season before placing him on waivers. The Seahawks signed him to a contract soon after and he finished out the year in Seattle.

For his career, Hester totaled 3,695 punt return yards, 7,333 kick return yards and 19 total return touchdowns over the course of 11 years in the NFL. He also caught 255 passes for 3,311 yards receiving and 16 touchdowns.

Hester was a four-time Pro Bowl selection and made three first-team All-Pro teams.