6 free-agent returners the Vikings could sign in 2021

Tyler Ervin

Tyler Ervin isn’t the most well-known name out there, but he’s proven to be a solid return man in the league.

Ervin got his start with the Houston Texans back in 2016 after they used a fourth-round draft pick on him. He hasn’t spent much time on the offensive side of the ball in his career having rushed for just 25 yards.

Ervin has done a little better as a receiver out of the backfield, catching 16 passes for 102 yards. But he is pretty much overlooked as an offensive weapon and he hasn’t come close to living up to that fourth-round billing.

Ervin is much more effective on special teams. He has returned 72 punts for 611 yards during his time in the league in addition to his 40 kickoff returns for 876 yards. He has yet to take one to the house, but he has had some close calls.

Ervin shows great patience when returning a kick or punt, and he lets his blocks set up before seeing the open lane and turning on the jets.

5 prospects in play if the Vikings trade down in the first round

Which prospects could the Minnesota Vikings be looking at if they decide to move down from pick No. 14 in this year's NFL Draft?

A season ago the Vikings used a draft pick on a player they thought could handle both kickoff and punt return duties. That move ended in failure. But this year, Minnesota could find a cheap option in free agency with Ervin who is a proven commodity. The fact that they would be plucking him away from Green Bay makes it all the sweeter.