The Packers return game was bad last season. Not just bad, historically bad. Packers’ punt returners had a net return total of -8 yards on nine punt returns through the first 12 games of the season. No team had ever finished a season with negative punt return yardage. Something needed to change. Enter Tyler Ervin, claimed off of waivers and given a chance to spark life into a dead return game.
Ervin surpassed all expectations by returning six kicks for 160 yards and 11 punts for 106 yards in the final four games of the season. In his debut against the Washington Redskins, Ervin had four punt returns for 51 yards, which immediately put the Packers punt return yardage into the positive category. Coach LaFleur realizes that Tyler Ervin is a key to the success of the special teams, so he made public his desire to have him brought back: “If I had my way, I’d love to have him back.”
Ervin’s one-year deal is reported to be worth $1.047 million. That includes a $137,500 signing bonus, which means Ervin will only count for $887,500 of cap space. The Packers still have seven free agents left, including Tramon Williams. Geronimo Allison, Jason Spriggs, and Jared Veldheer also remain unsigned.
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