Devin Hester is preparing for a Chicago Bears training camp the likes of which he hasn’t experienced since his rookie season.

Comcast Chicago is reporting the Bears are strongly considering either trading or releasing the perennial All- Pro if he doesn’t profoundly impress in training camp and win the kick return job outright.

This offseason the Bears chose to part ways with longtime coach Lovie Smith, and Hester, a Smith confidant, has somewhat wavered in his commitment to the team.

Now, according to Comcast Chicago, the choice may no longer be solely his. Hester is competing with Earl Bennett for his duties, and CSN is reporting that head coach Marc Trestman is emphasizing the “competition” part.

The 31-year-old Hester is due $1.85 million in salary this season, a hefty price tag for a player that will no longer double as a wideout as he has over the last several seasons.

Hester reigns as the touchdown returns leader for a single season (2006, 2007) with six and as the leader for most touchdowns kick and punt returns in a single year (2006) also with six.