Tag: Tyler Ervin

Tyler Ervin will cost less than $1 million on Packers 2020 salary cap

Bringing back Tyler Ervin on a 1-year deal won’t cost the Packers much cap space.

The contract signed by running back and returner Tyler Ervin will cost the Green Bay Packers less than $1 million on the salary cap in 2020.

According to Aaron Wilson of the Houston Chronicle, the one-year deal is valued at $1.047 million, with a $137,500 signing bonus, but it includes the veteran salary benefit.

As noted by Ken Inglass, the newly-added benefit drops Ervin’s cap cost to just $887,500 – which includes the $750,000 included in the benefit and the $137,500 in signing bonus.

Another thing to know: Because of the “Top 51” rule during the offseason, Ervin’s new deal will really count much less on the salary cap right now. He’ll bump off a minimum salary player from the team’s top 51 contracts counted against the cap, creating only a small cap charge.

Ervin, who was claimed off of waivers in December of last year, helped spark the Packers return game, both as a kick returner and punt returner. He later became a gadget-type player on offense for Matt LaFleur, who has described Ervin as “explosive” and a player he’d “love” to have back in 2020.

The deal looks strong for both sides, with the Packers getting a useful player back for another season at minimal cost and Ervin receiving a new deal and a nice little signing bonus to return.

In Ervin, the Packers will have an experienced returner and speedy offensive weapon on the roster to start 2020.

Inglass estimates the Packers now have roughly $12.5 million left in cap space, although the number is closer to zero considering the team must sign a draft class and save some cap space for in-season reserves.

Contract details for Devin Funchess still have not been reported,

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Report: Packers bringing back Tyler Ervin on 1-year deal

The Packers are bringing back returner and running back Tyler Ervin on a one-year deal.

Matt LaFleur wanted Tyler Ervin back with the Green Bay Packers, so general manager Brian Gutekunst obliged.

According to Field Yates of ESPN, the Packers are expecting to bring back Ervin with a one-year deal.

Claimed off of waivers in December, Ervin sparked the team’s return game back to life to end the 2019 season.

Last month, LaFleur said he’d “love” for Ervin to return. He got his wish, and now the Packers have an experienced returner and more competition at running back entering the 2020 season.

The Packers were desperate for help in the return game after struggling mightily, especially on punt returns, during the first three months of the season. Ervin, who also caught two passes and was later featured as a gadget-player for LaFleur, arrived at just the right time.

Over four games, Ervin returned six kicks for 160 yards (26.7-yard average) and 11 punts for 106 yards (9.4).

The Packers now have seven free agents left: Tramon Williams, Geronimo Allison, Jared Veldheer, Ibraheim Campbell, Jason Spriggs, Ryan Grant and Malcolm Johnson.

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Packers coach Matt LaFleur would ‘love’ for Tyler Ervin to return in 2020

The Packers coach would love to have Ervin, an unrestricted free agent, back in Green Bay in 2020.

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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Why Tyler Ervin could be an X-factor for Packers in NFC title game

Tyler Ervin only has five touches on offense for the Packers, but he could play a pivotal role against the 49ers defense on Sunday.

Tyler Ervin has touched the football only five times from scrimmage since joining the Green Bay Packers in early December, but the speedy running back could be an X-factor when the Packers take on the San Francisco 49ers on Sunday in the NFC Championship Game.

His presence could play a vital role in helping the Packers overcome the 49ers’ smothering defense.

Ervin has been on the field for 31 snaps the last three games. He’s given the Packers offense a player with the speed and open-field running ability to seriously threaten defenses as the jet motion option in Matt LaFleur’s scheme.

Finally, opponents must respect the jet motion.

It’s an increasingly important factor in the offense. LaFleur uses the motion as a tool of deception. It adds window dressing to plays, sets up late reaction times in the front seven and forces the defense to respect the offense horizontally at the snap. When the ball is handed off, it provides a chance for the motion player to get to the edge at full speed and find cutback lanes. It’s perfect for a punt returner like Ervin. And it can expose potential countermoves regardless of how the defense reacts.

Just last week, Ervin caught a toss from jet motion against the Seahawks, turned the corner and beat a tackle attempt on his way to an 18-yard gain in the first half of the Packers’ win. The play helped set up a touchdown.

In Minnesota in Week 16, Ervin was on the field as the motion man to the right when Aaron Jones found a lane off the left side and scored the game-clinching touchdown.

The Packers could give Ervin more chances on Sunday. Remember: during the first meeting against the 49ers, receiver Allen Lazard took a jet sweep and gained 21 yards off the right edge. It will likely be Ervin in that role in the rematch.

Also, don’t discount Ervin’s ability to help slow down the 49ers’ pass-rush. As Jack Wepfer of Packers Wire noted Thursday, Sean McVay and the Los Angeles Rams successfully used pre-snap motion – including jet motion – to keep the 49ers from playing downhill on every snap. Jet motion can force a moment of hesitation on the edge and at linebacker. Even if its only for a half-second, the defense has to respect a jet-motion play horizontally before they can attack the passer in front of them.

There’s also a chance Ervin could be used in the passing game.

His speed is a factor, and he’s experienced catching the football. The Packers could use him in the traditional screen game, or even in the quick bubble screen game, to help slow down the pass-rush. He’s one of the few players on offense who could really hurt the 49ers with his speed and quickness.

Jet motion can help create holes in zone coverage, too. Linebackers have to react to the motion at the snap, and even slight hesitation or a false step can be enough for a concept to create space against zone.

Obviously, Ervin will be the Packers’ primary return man on both punts and kicks, and most Packers fans will remember what a great returner can do in a big playoff game against the 49ers. Ervin immediately improved the Packers’ return game after being claimed off of waivers in December.

His role on offense could be just as important.

The Packers will likely need big games from Aaron Jones, Aaron Rodgers and Davante Adams to beat the 49ers on Sunday. But don’t be surprised if Ervin – and the offensive wrinkle he’s helped drastically improve – plays an important factor in the Packers offense operating at a higher level in the rematch. Pre-snap motion could be integral to Matt LaFleur’s new plan, and Ervin has become LaFleur’s go-to motion man.

Versatile Tyler Ervin provides another spark for Packers

The Packers got another spark from versatile RB Tyler Ervin on Monday night against the Vikings.

Tyler Ervin helped spark the Green Bay Packers’ return game to life over the last three games, and the backup running back provided another spark – this time for the Packers offense – on Monday night in Minnesota.

On four different snaps, Ervin was used as the motion man on the jet motion look. He caught a push-pass from Aaron Rodgers for six yards and was a decoy on three other plays, including Aaron Jones’ 56-yard touchdown run in the fourth quarter.

Jet motion has been a part of Matt LaFleur’s offense all season. However, the offense has lacked a dynamic player with the right combination of speed, short-area quickness and vision to really threaten in the role.

Ervin, who was claimed off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Dec. 8, helped change that. And LaFleur didn’t wait long to take advantage of his new toy, especially now that Ervin has locked in his role as the team’s primary punt and kick returner.

On the first play of the Packers’ second drive against the Vikings, Ervin lined up to the right of the formation, motioned across and caught the push-pass from Rodgers while moving to his left. He cut upfield and gained six quick yards.

It was a modest gain, but Ervin’s speed – and the fact he actually got the football on the play – ensured the Vikings would respect the motion the rest of the night.

The set up paid off in a big way in the fourth quarter. With just over six minutes left and the ball at the 44-yard line, the Packers lined up Ervin to the left of the formation and motioned him right. His motion took away safety Jayron Kearse, who followed him across the formation. And it caused just a moment of hesitation after the snap for linebackers Eric Wilson and Kentrell Brothers, who each briefly stopped pursuing right and then got walled off when Jones took the handoff and raced to the left side.

Safeties Anthony Harris and Harrison Smith took bad angles and Jones exploded down the sideline for the 56-yard score, essentially putting the game away.

Jones made it happen, sorting through traffic and using his incredible burst to find the lane and create the score. But Ervin gets an assist for helping take three players out of the action.

LaFleur called Ervin a “dynamic playmaker” who is been implemented into the offense “more and more.” He could be on the field more on Sunday against the Detroit Lions, especially if Jamaal Williams (shoulder) can’t go.

LaFleur said he trusted fullback Danny Vitale and rookie backup Dexter Williams go play more at running back if Williams is out, but Ervin could have a legit role as the jet motion man moving forward.

Ervin isn’t a big guy, but he ran 4.41 in the 40-yard dash, finished the three-cone drill in just over seven seconds and hit 39″ in the vertical and 10-10 in the broad jump – providing evidence of his straight-line speed, short-area quickness and lower-body explosiveness.

Ervin uses all those attributes to be an effective returner. He’s now using those same attributes to drastically improve the personnel for one of LaFleur’s favorite offensive wrinkles.

Tyler Ervin revives Packers’ punt return, races past potential record

New Packers returner Tyler Ervin ran back four punts for 51 yards on Sunday against the Redskins.

The Green Bay Packers came into Sunday’s game against the Washington Redskins with -8 punt return yards, with a long return of only three yards and the NFL record for fewest punt return yards in a season looming over the entire group.

Those worries evaporated during a mild December day at Lambeau Field.

Newcomer Tyler Ervin, who was claimed off of waivers on Tuesday and immediately inserted as the team’s new primary returner, got the Packers out of the hole and set a new season long on his first return on Sunday against the Redskins – and he wasn’t done there.

Ervin returned four punts for 51 yards, bringing the Packers to 43 total punt return yards on the season – 16 more than the NFL record of 27 – and helping spark a fast start on offense.

In fact, three out of Ervin’s four returns set the Packers up at midfield or in Washington’s territory. The fourth put the Packers at their own 43-yard line. The offense scored touchdowns after two of the returns in the first quarter, creating an early 14-0 advantage.

Ervin’s returns covered 10 yards, 12 yards, 18 yards and 11 yards, in order.

The Packers needed the boost. Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Tremon Smith all took their turns returning punts. The trio returned nine punts but produced just two returns gaining a yard or more. Shepherd lost a fumble. Smith fumbled at the end of a 3-yard return last Sunday in New York.

Ervin confidently made catches on booming punts from Tress Way and wasted no time getting up field to gain positive yardage. And credit special teams coach Shawn Mennenga and all the blockers on the field – Ervin was provided the space necessary to catch the football and operate with the ball in his hands. For much of the season, the blocking on returns just hasn’t been good enough. On Sunday, it was.

The Packers took a chance on Ervin, a fourth-round pick of the Texans in 2016, when the Jaguars released him late last week. He brought past experience returning punts and kicks to the table, including over 1,200 total return yards in the NFL and five return touchdowns while in college at San Jose State.

It’s only one game, but Ervin has already revived a punt-return team that was barrelling towards an NFL record through the first 12 games of 2019. The record is now well in the rear-view mirror.

5 things to know about new Packers returner Tyler Ervin

An introduction to new Packers RB and returner Tyler Ervin, who was claimed by the team on Tuesday.

The Green Bay Packers acquired running back and returner Tyler Ervin off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday.

Here are five things to know about the new Packer:

The new returner: Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed Ervin, who will wear No. 32, would take over kick and punt return duties right away. The team released Tremon Smith on Monday, opening the door for Ervin to be the primary returner. Ervin will be the Packers’ fourth different No. 1 returner this season, joining Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Smith. The Packers need a spark after averaging negative yards per punt return (-8 yards on nine returns) and just 19.5 yards per kickoff return this season. They’re banking on Ervin to provide it.

Experienced NFL returner: Since being drafted in the fourth round of the 2016 draft, Ervin has returned 61 punts and 34 kickoffs, with those returns gaining over 1,200 total yards. Ervin averages 8.3 yards per punt return and 21.1 yards per kickoff return, with a long punt return of 57 yards and a long kickoff return of 36 yards. His best season as a returner came with the Houston Texans in 2018 when he averaged 8.3 yards per punt return and 25.3 yards per kickoff return. He still does not have a return touchdown in the NFL, although he was tackled inside the 5-yard line on a return for the Texans last season.

Explosive college player: Ervin was a dynamic runner, receiver and returner at San Jose State, and his size, versatility and quick, choppy running style helped earn him comparisons to Darren Sproles. He rushed for 2,803 yards and 16 touchdowns, caught 87 passes for 783 yards and four touchdowns, returned three kickoffs for touchdowns and two punts for touchdowns. As a senior in 2015, Ervin delivered 1,601 rushing yards and 13 rushing touchdowns, 45 catches and two receiving scores and one punt return for a score. He holds school records for all-purpose yardage (6,146), kickoff return yardage (2,374), kickoffs returned (101), kickoff returns for a touchdown (3) and combined punt and kickoffs returned for touchdowns (5), most touchdowns of 80 yards or more (6) and most touchdowns of 70 yards or more (8).

Versatile weapon: LaFleur mentioned Ervin’s versatile skill set on offense. Not only could he add a spark on special teams, both as a returner and covering kicks, but Ervin was sometimes used as a slot receiver and in the screen game at San Jose State and with the Texans. While he’s not big in stature, he has quick feet with explosive lower-body movement ability. The Packers are deep at running back, but it’s possible Ervin could eventually add something in the passing game for LaFleur’s offense. He had a similar type of player in Dion Lewis with the Titans last season.

Packers know him: The Packers faced Ervin during the preseason. As a member of the Baltimore Ravens, he ran two times for nine yards and caught two passes for 15 yards during a 26-13 win for the Ravens on Aug. 15. On one catch, he beat the tackle attempt of Packers rookie linebacker Ty Summers and picked up five. Later, he ran through defensive back Nydair Rouse at the second level on his way to a 7-yard run. Current Packers personnel executive Milt Hendrickson was still in Baltimore when the Ravens signed Ervin to the practice squad last November.

Bonus! Ervin can do three backflips in a row. Evidence below:

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Packers plan to use versatile Tyler Ervin as kick and punt returner

Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed newcomer Tyler Ervin will take over as the team’s primary returner.

Green Bay Packers coach Matt LaFleur confirmed running back Tyler Ervin will be the team’s new primary punt and kick returner.

The Packers claimed Ervin off of waivers from the Jacksonville Jaguars on Tuesday.

In addition to becoming the No. 1 returner, LaFleur also likes what Ervin can potentially provide on offense.

“He’s an elusive guy, he’s got some juice, he’s pretty fast,” LaFleur said Wednesday. “And I also like his versatility in terms of adding some depth to our running back position and he’s played a little in the slot as well.”

Ervin, a fourth-round pick in 2016, has over 500 career punt return yards and 700 career kick returns over his four NFL seasons. In college, he returned three kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns and produced as both a runner and receiver (73 catches his last two seasons).

Ervin will bring speed and explosiveness to the returner and running back positions. At the scouting combine in 2016, Ervin ran the 40-yard dash in 4.41 seconds and had top numbers in the vertical leap (39″) and broad jump (10-10).

For his career, Ervin has averaged 21.1 yards per kick return and 8.3 yards per punt return, with longs of 36 on kicks and 57 on punts.

The Packers have used Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Tremon Smith as returners this season. Davis was traded, Shepherd is on the practice squad and Smith was released. It’s now Ervin’s turn to attempt to fix one of the NFL’s worst return groups.

Packers claim former Jaguars RB/returner Tyler Ervin

The Packers might be making another change at returner.

The Green Bay Packers might be making another change at kick and punt returner.

According to Ian Rapoport of NFL Network, the Packers claimed former Jacksonville Jaguars running back and returner Tyler Ervin off of waivers on Monday.

Ervin, a fourth-round pick of the Houston Texans in 2016 who has over 1,200 total return yards in his NFL career, was waived by the Jaguars on Nov. 30.

Ervin has rushed only five times and caught only 14 passes over his first four seasons, but he has vast experience returning both punts and kicks. He turned 34 kickoff returns in 716 yards and 61 punt returns in 505 yards.

At San Jose State, Ervin returned three kickoffs and two punts for touchdowns.

The Packers have used Trevor Davis, Darrius Shepherd and Tremon Smith at returner this season.

Smith fumbled at the end of a 3-yard punt return against the New York Giants on Sunday.