Marcus Sherels re-signs with Minnesota Vikings

Marcus Sherels has reportedly re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings on a two-year deal.

Vikings punt return specialist, gunner and backup cornerback Marcus Sherels took a free agent visit with the New York Jets but in the end the former Gopher decided to return to Minnesota.

The Pioneer-Press reports that Sherels has come back to the Vikings on a new two-year contract, money not yet disclosed.

Sherels told the Pioneer-Press he’s “happy to be staying” and “excited to get back to work.”

The 28-year-old Sherels was signed by the Vikings as an undrafted free agent in 2010. He became the primary punt returner in 2011 and has remained the #1 guy in that role ever since.

Sherels’ best year as a returner came in 2013 when he averaged 15.2 yards-per-return and had one touchdown. He averaged just 9.1 yards-per-return in 2015 but did have one TD.

As a cornerback, Sherels has six career starts, and has racked up one interception, 11 passes defensed and one sack.

In past seasons Sherels has always had to prove himself all over again in training camp but by signing him to a two-year deal the Vikings seem to be signaling that this year he won’t have to win a job.

Next: Doctson looks like top draft target

So you can stop putting together your “Marcus Sherels on the bubble” posts. This year he won’t be on the bubble.

In other news, the Vikings are expected to have free agent offensive tackle Andre Smith in this weekend for a visit. The Vikings continue to beef up their offensive line after struggling mightily in that area in 2015.