Marcus

Sherels

Sherels is more of a return specialist than a true corner, but the Vikings need help at the position after placing Mike Hughes (neck) on injured reserve. Mackensie Alexander (knee) is also out for the team’s Wild Card matchup against the Saints.

Sherels averaged just 3.8 yards on six punt returns in five games with Miami. The Dolphins promoted safety Montre Hartage from the practice squad to take his spot on the roster.

Valued for his punt return skills, Sherels was having a rough year. Active just three times, he was averaging an anemic 5.5 yards per return after that number was an elite 12.0 in 2018.

Sherels is a top punt returner, averaging 12 yards per return last season. He’ll assume that role in New Orleans. Sherels is a solid get for the Saints but isn’t going to see many defensive snaps.

The fastest of the three, Robinson averaged 13.1 yards on 27 returns at Central Florida the past two seasons. Wright averaged just 5.9 yards on eight returns over four seasons at Arkansas. Sherels is the incumbent, racking up 277 yards (8.4 yards per) on 33 returns last season.

Sherels, 25, appeared in all 16 games as the Vikings’ punt returner in 2012, but he played just 78 snaps on defense. He averaged 9.0 yards per return, and brought one 77 yards to the house.

He missed the Thanksgiving Day game against the Lions and is in doubt for this Thursday night against Dallas. Adam Thielen returned punts last week.

He gets $500,000 guaranteed, including a $300,000 signing bonus. Sherels was entering restricted free agency. He’s returned a punt for a touchdown in back-to-back seasons. Ideally, Sherels’ defensive participation will go down under new coach Mike Zimmer. He’s never been an effective cover man.

He wasn’t close to reaching a deal with the Vikings prior to the start of free agency. Sherels was mostly used on special teams last season, returning 34 punts for 311 yards and one touchdown. The Jets are in the market for a return man after cutting Antonio Cromartie and Jeremy Kerley earlier this offseason.

Sherels took a visit with the Jets, but he opted to stay with the only NFL team he has ever known. He’ll continue to help on special teams and return punts.