Eric Weems

Weems caught just one ball as a receiver last season, but he serves a much more vital role on special teams. He handled punt and kickoff return duties for the Falcons in 2015, averaging 11.6 yards per punt return and 26.8 yards per kickoff return. The team released Devin Hester in late July, so Weems seemingly has the inside track on return duties again this year, although he'll likely be pushed by Devin Fuller and Justin Hardy.

Weems signed a two-year contract extension with the Falcons during the offseason, but he shouldn't expect a huge increase in production. He's still behind Julio Jones, Roddy White and Devin Hester on the depth chart, and the team brought in Leonard Hankerson during the offseason as well. Weems had 102 receiving yards in 2015, and he'll have a tough time reaching that number if the guys ahead of him on the depth chart stay healthy.

Weems, cut by the Bears in August after the team added Santonio Holmes, was brought back by the Falcons as a depth WR/returner.

After head coach Marc Trestman asserted in March that Devin Hester would handle both kick and punt return duties, Weems - who isn't a contributor in the passing game - will have to rely on his reputation as a special teams ace to guarantee his roster spot. With the up-and-coming Joe Anderson offering similar special teams prowess at a much cheaper contract, Weems could be in danger of getting cut.

Weems will not be a strong contributor on offense for the Bears, but will be a big boost in the return game. He was a Pro Bowler in 2011, and should be an ample replacement for Johnny Knox on kickoff returns will acting as the teams fifth receiver.

Weems had his best season to date in 2010, averaging a career high 27.5 yards per kickoff return and 12.8 yards per punt return. The Falcons rewarded him in the offseason with a new contract, and he'll handle the load on special teams again in 2011. He'll be a solid special teams player, but the Falcons have plenty of other offensive weapons, so don't expect Weems to do much as a wide receiver. He only tallied 61 receiving yards in 2010.

Weems was the Falcons' leading punt and kick returner in 2009 but is in a battle with rookie Dominique Franks to retain those duties.