Vikings Free Agent Rumors: Word on Marcus Sherels “Optimistic”

Dec 1, 2013; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) returns a punt by the Chicago Bears in the first quarter at Mall of America Field at H.H.H. Metrodome. Vikings win 23-20 in overtime. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Things are looking good in early negotiations between the Vikings and one of their two restricted free agents for 2014.

Andrew Krammer of 1500 ESPN.com reports that he has spoken to the agent for Vikings RFA cornerback Marcus Sherels, and the agent indicated things are moving along between his client and the Vikes.

The Vikings spoke to the reps for many of their free agents at the combine, including the agents for Jared Allen and Matt Cassel.

Sherels is a little farther down the pecking order than either Allen or Cassel, but he’s still a guy worth keeping your eye on. He’s proven his value as a punt returner, and last year he showed more at cornerback than we had previously seen.

Once viewed as strictly a backup slot corner, Sherels now looks like player who could have value in outside coverage as well.

The Vikings faced some tough depth issues with their secondary last year, and Sherels was able to come in under some less-than-ideal circumstances and perform at an adequate level, both outside and in the slot.

I would say Sherels actually looked better in coverage than Chris Cook, who is viewed by some as a marginally valuable free agent. Add Sherels’ punt return skills to the equation and I think he might be worth a little more than some people perceive.

The restricted designation makes it easy for the Vikings to re-sign Sherels, and I believe they will get that done, and have Sherels back in as their punt returner and to provide depth in the defensive backfield.

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