Breaking down Devin Hester's contract

New Atlanta Falcons return man/receiver Devin Hester didn't shy away from his original asking price.

Hester sought $3 to $4 million per year once the Chicago Bears didn't re-sign him and he hit the open market. Had the Tampa Bay Buccaneers reached that figure, Hester probably would be preparing to return kicks for a different NFC South team this coming season.

Instead, Hester got his $3 million per year in a three-year contract with the Falcons that included a $2.5 million signing bonus. Here's how Hester's contract breaks down by year:

Here is a breakdown of Devin Hester's contract by year:

2014
Cap value: $1.833,333
Cash value: $3.5 million
Base salary: $1 million ($1 million guaranteed)

2015
Cap value: $3,333,333
Cash value: $2.5 million
Base salary: $2.5 million ($500,000 guaranteed)

2016
Cap value: $3,833,334
Cash value: $3 million
Base salary: $3 million
Escalators in 2015 & 2016


(espn.com)