Broncos Release Former Viking, and Minnesota Should Pounce
The Minnesota Vikings are 4-6, and elimination scenarios appear on the horizon as the margin for error has completely vanished over the last couple of weeks. A pair of consecutive home losses certainly doesn’t give folks any hope.
Broncos Release Former Viking, and Minnesota Should Pounce
Some departed contributors play a role in the downfall after a strong 14-3 campaign, undoubtedly headlined by Sam Darnold’s exit. But the club is missing some players who helped the team win in the shadow of Pro Bowl talent.
One of those is wideout Trent Sherfield Sr. The veteran left in free agency and signed a two-year deal with the Denver Broncos. His new employer released him ahead of their Week 11 contest.
After the trade deadline, even vested veterans have to go through the waiver process, and Sherfield passed waivers unclaimed. He’s now free to sign with any of the 32 franchises. In Denver, Sherfield appeared in the first ten games and caught three passes for 21 yards.
In his only season with the Vikings, he secured only eight passes for 83 yards and one touchdown. Still, the Vikings should give him a call — not because of his receiving skills, but because he can help the struggling special teams unit.
Last year, he earned a Pro Bowl-worthy PFF grade on special teams of 85.8, playing as the team’s gunner on punts and in kickoff coverage. He made eight tackles. Just on Sunday, the Vikings allowed the Bears to set up a game-winning field goal with a big kick return.
It’s not a downgrade that makes big waves in the news, but the Vikings replaced him with rookie Tai Felton, who’s been decent, and oft-flagged veteran Tavierre Thomas. Tim Jones, who was also viewed as a replacement, has already been kicked off the team.
His other role is that of a blocking receiver. The Vikings used him on 179 offensive snaps last year and Denver on 163 plays (24% of their offensive snaps) despite rarely intending to target him in the passing game. There has to be some talent in that department.
Broncos special teams coordinator Darren Rizzi said in August, “He’s a guy that’s a proven commodity. He’s excellent, excellent last year in the coverage aspect, he’s always been a good blocker on offense, and in the return game he brings an added toughness.”
Would the 29-year-old move the needle on a struggling team? He probably wouldn’t, but hiring him and axing one of the special-team culprits could be the statement the Vikings need to make. Too many people have not done their jobs well throughout the year, which has led to the 4-6 record and the subsequent last place in the NFL North.
Sherfield won’t break the bank, and he’s a “proven commodity,” as Rizzi said. The Vikings can’t get Darnold or safety Cam Bynum back, but they can re-hire their depth receiver and special teams ace.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.