Packers free-agent returner Tyler Ervin visiting with Bills

The Green Bay Packers could have a new returner in 2021.

Tyler Ervin, who has been with the Packers since signing late in the 2019 season, is a free agent and remains unsigned. That could soon change, however.

According to ESPN’s Field Yates, Ervin is scheduled to visit with the Buffalo Bills. As of yet, the Packers haven’t re-signed him, perhaps a sign they plan to move on.

When Ervin was signed by the Packers in 2019, the team was on course for negative return yards on the season and were on track for a record NFL low. Ervin made all the difference, averaging a healthy 9.6 yards on punt returns and 26.7 yards on kickoff returns.

He gave the return game life, and head coach Matt LaFleur also found ways to get him on the field on offense.

However, while Ervin did see a bit more action on offense to start the 2020 season, he struggled to make the same impact. Ervin missed time due to injury and finished the year with a punt return average of just 4.0, while also averaging 19.6 yards on kickoff returns.

When Ervin missed time, Green Bay struggled to replace him. The team signed Tavon Austin but he also struggled for the most part.

It’s completely up in the air who will be the Packers’ returner on punts and kickoffs next season. Cordarrelle Patterson would be a great choice for one of those spots, as the free agent has eight kickoff return touchdowns in as many years.

While re-signing Ervin can’t be ruled out, it sure seems like Green Bay could be preparing to move on. And with Ervin visiting with the Bills, it’s possible the Packers will soon need to find a replacement.

If Ervin can get back to his 2019 form, he’ll be a valuable signing no matter where he ends up.