Marcus Sherels returns to the Vikings in 2018

A familiar face will be returning punts and kicks in training camp in 2018 for the Vikings as Marcus Sherels agreed to a one-year deal to return to Minnesota. 

A seven-year feel good story will be returning to the Vikings for an eighth season. Marcus Sherels has agreed to a one-year contract with Minnesota, according to Chris Tomasson. Sherels has been a special teams ace for the Vikings since 2010 and since the departure of Cordarrelle Patterson, has been returning both punts and kickoffs.

The trait that sets Marcus Sherels apart from most return men in the NFL is his ability to limit negative plays. As sure handed as they come, Sherels hardly ever bobbles the ball, let alone muffs a punt, having lost only two fumbles in his career. There must be no better sense of relief for a coaching staff than knowing your punt returner isn’t going to give the ball back.

Sherels has proven to be a weapon as a return man in the past, having scored five touchdowns in his seven years in the NFL. He has been exceptionally productive at certain points, even as recently as 2016 when he scored two touchdowns and averaged almost 14 yards per return.

The only question about this signing is whether or not this roster spot could be better utilized by a different return man who also provides depth at a more needy position. As opposed to a specialized return man, which is what Sherels is. The possible scoring threat, leadership, consistency and longevity from Sherels seems to be worth more to the Vikings than an injury emergency type backup.

Next: Mock Draft season is upon us!

The season is still a ways off, but it sure looks like Marcus Sherels will be making the team again in 2018.