Bears' Hester signs 4-year contract

BOURBONNAIS, Ill. (AP) -- Kick returner Devin Hester has signed a new four-year contract with the Chicago Bears.

The team announced the deal Sunday. Hester skipped the first two days of training camp because he wanted to renegotiate his contract, which had two years left. Hester returned to camp Friday, saying there was progress in the negotiations.

He said he skipped practices to make a statement that he was serious about a new deal.

Hester's previous contract was for $445,000 for the 2008 season.

The terms of the new deal have not yet been announced. Hester is scheduled to speak to the media Sunday afternoon.

(ap.com)