A player who added an unexpected late-season spark is among the free agents coveted by coach Matt LaFleur for a return to the Green Bay Packers in 2020.
LaFleur said Tuesday at the NFL Scouting Combine that he’d “love” for running back and returner Tyler Ervin – who will be an unrestricted free agent – to be back in Green Bay next season.
“If I have my way, I’d love to have him back,” LaFleur said.
Ervin, a fourth-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2016, was claimed by the Packers off of waivers on Dec. 2. He immediately revived a flat-lining return game, producing 106 yards on 11 punt returns and 160 yards on six kickoff returns.
Not only did Ervin spark the return game to life, but he added a versatile aspect on offense, playing snaps at running back and as a motion player in LaFleur’s scheme. He received at least one touch from scrimmage in four straight games to end the season. Against the Seahawks in the divisional round, his 18-yard run on a misdirection play helped create a touchdown drive.
LaFleur called him “versatile.” During the season, he described him as “explosive.”
Ervin’s impact on special teams would have been enough to interest the Packers in a return. His potential to impact the game on offense as a third or fourth option at running back only adds to his value.
It’s possible that, with a full offseason in the offense, Ervin could give LaFleur a Dion Lewis-type player behind Aaron Jones and Jamaal Williams. He can catch the ball, add speed to the jet motion plays and make people miss in the open field.
The Packers have several other unrestricted free agents to sort through, starting with right tackle Bryan Bulaga, but Ervin figures to be a strong candidate for a new contract once LaFleur and GM Brian Gutekunst settle on the composition of the roster heading into free agency and the draft.
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