Marcus Sherels visits with the New York Jets (Report)
By Dan Zinski
Free agent Marcus Sherels paid a visit to the New York Jets according to media reports.
Rich Cimini of ESPN reports that free agent Marcus Sherels has visited with the New York Jets. This doesn’t really come as a surprise since the media reported on Wednesday that Sherels intended to check in with New York.
Vikings free-agent CB/PR Marcus Sherels did, in fact, pay a visit to the Jets today. They need a punt returner. #nyj
— Rich Cimini (@RichCimini) March 10, 2016
The 28-year-old Sherels has spent his entire career with the Vikings after being signed by Minnesota as a UDFA in 2010.
Sherels’ best season came in 2013 when he finished with a 15.2 yards-per-return average as a punt returner and one interception and seven passes defensed as a cornerback.
Sherels’ punt return average dipped to 9.1 in 2015, his lowest mark in three years, but he did have his first return touchdown since 2013.
Besides his skill as a punt returner, Sherels has provided solid value as a gunner on coverage teams and as a backup kick returner.
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The Jets are in the market for fresh talent on special teams after struggling in that area in 2015.
The Vikings surely would like to have Marcus Sherels back but are unlikely to get in a bidding war for his services. If Sherels leaves, Stefon Diggs becomes the logical choice to take over as punt return specialist. Adam Thielen could also be in the mix for that job.