Sherels’ punt return average dipped to 9.1 in 2015, down from 11 in 2014 and way down from 15.2 in 2013. But you know what? Who cares.
Sherels also ran one back for a TD in 2015, his first return touchdown since 2013. That TD earned him his first NFC Special Teams Player-of-the-Week award.
But Sherels’ value isn’t only as a punt return man. He is also a beast as a gunner and he provides insurance as a backup kick returner behind the flaky Cordarrelle Patterson. All-around, Sherels is one of the most valuable special teams players the Vikings have had in recent years.
I see no reason why the Vikings won’t bring Sherels back for 2016. People will still put him on the bubble at the beginning of camp, and he’ll still be a Viking at the end of camp, because he’s just a solid football player.
Both Mike Priefer and Mike Zimmer surely appreciate what Sherels brings to the table and will want Rick Spielman to bring back the 28-year-old for at least one more year.