Bears Sign Return Specialist Darius Reynaud, CB Peyton Thompson

(CBS) -- Perhaps the Bears have found their replacement for Devin Hester.

Chicago has signed return specialist Darius Reynaud to a one-year contract, they team announced Monday night.

Reynaud has appeared in 48 games with Minnesota (2008-09), the New York Giants (2010), Tennessee (2012-13) and the New York Jets (2013). He's averaged 9.7 yards per punt return and 22.6 yards per kick return in his career. In 2012, he led the NFL in total kick return yards.

The Bears also signed cornerback Peyton Thompson, who entered the NFL in 2012 with the Falcons as an undrafted free agent out of San Jose State.

In corresponding moves, the Bears waived long snapper Chad Rempel, an undrafted rookie free agent, and punter Tress Way, a second-year pro.

The means long snapper Brandon Hartson and rookie punter Pat O'Donnell now have a clear path to winning starting jobs.