One player acquisition that I completely missed the past week with everything else going on was, the Packers bring back running back, Tyler Ervin.
Ervin was acquired off of waivers last December and immediately made an impact on special teams. He also added a nice compliment in the running game as a change of pace back. By the end of the season, he would go on to return 11 punts for 106 yards and 6 kickoffs for 160 yards. That production in the final 4 weeks of the season changed the return game for head coach Matt Lafleur. Ervin’s production in the final 4 games changed the Packers return game that in the postseason team were kicking the ball away from him. That is a game changer.
Brian Gutekunst has signed Tyler Ervin to a one-year deal that is reportedly worth just over $1 million. Ervin will also receive a $137,000 signing bonus that is guaranteed.
A full off-season and training camp program (whatever those end up being this year) in Matt Lafleur’s offense will not only help Ervin improve but will bolster the depth and take the return games to another level. Lefleur and company will probably find some packages for Ervin on offense, but his main impact will be made on the special teams units. And special teams can change the course of the game in an instant. The Packers brass saw how impactful he was in a short stint last season, hopefully more time with the coaches will lead to even greater success.
Go Pack Go!!
Anthony Haag is a writer for PackersTalk.com. He has been a Packers fan since the day he was born and truly bleeds green and gold. He makes annual visits to Lambeau Field and has attended his fair share of games. You can follow Anthony on Twitter at @anthony_haag
