Houston Texans: Five free agent cornerback options

Sep 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) celebrates as he runs back an intercepted pass for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
Sep 21, 2014; St. Louis, MO, USA; St. Louis Rams cornerback Janoris Jenkins (21) celebrates as he runs back an intercepted pass for a touchdown during the first half against the Dallas Cowboys at the Edward Jones Dome. Mandatory Credit: Jeff Curry-USA TODAY Sports
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Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) returns a punt by the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
Aug 22, 2015; Minneapolis, MN, USA; Minnesota Vikings cornerback Marcus Sherels (35) returns a punt by the Oakland Raiders in the third quarter at TCF Bank Stadium. The Vikings win 20-12. Mandatory Credit: Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports

Marcus Sherels, Minnesota Vikings, 28 years old

The Minnesota Vikings have a great defense and one of their rotational guys in their secondary is set to hit the open market. Marcus Sherels was an undrafted free agent out of the University of Minnesota and spent all but one week of his rookie year on the Vikings practice squad.

Since then he has been a valuable member of their team. He has played in 81 games with six starts in his career. Sherels has recorded 97 tackles, two forced fumbles an interception and one quarterback sack.

His real impact though has been in the return game. As a kick returner, Sherels has 38 returns for 1,010 yards, good for an average of 26.6 yards per run back. In the punt game he has been a real weapon, recording 1,507 yards on 148 returns (an average of 10.2 yards per return) and has three punt return touchdowns.

The Texans have been below average in the return game and in 2015 they averaged 7.3 yards per punt return and 23.9 yards per kick return with zero touchdowns on either. Sherels would provide experienced depth at corner while also being an upgrade in their return game.

Next: A physical player needing a longer deal

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