The Vikings are bringing back wide receiver and punt returner Brandon Powell on a one-year contract, as reported by ESPN’s Adam Schefter.
Powell, standing at 5’8″ and approaching 29 years old in September, performed admirably in his position last season. He had his most productive season yet, stepping up when Justin Jefferson was sidelined due to injury. Powell secured the Vikings’ punt return position over Jalen Reagor last offseason and ended up playing a more significant role in the offense than initially expected. He maintained an average of 7.8 yards per punt return and achieved personal bests with 29 receptions for 324 yards. Notably, Powell consistently contributed with multiple receptions in nearly every game from Week 5 to Week 12, surpassing 30 receiving yards in five of those eight games, with a notable performance of 64 yards in the Vikings’ victory over the 49ers. His impact was crucial as the Vikings managed without Jefferson and later Kirk Cousins. One of his standout moments was catching the game-winning touchdown pass from Josh Dobbs in a game against Atlanta. Powell, who went undrafted from Florida in 2018, previously played for the Lions and Falcons before spending time with the Bills and Dolphins, eventually joining Kevin O’Connell and the Rams in 2021.
Following a strong 2022 season as a returner and versatile player for the Rams, he opted to sign with Minnesota. Keeping Powell on board is a sensible move for the Vikings, especially with the potential departure of K.J. Osborn in free agency this year. Powell is expected to continue as their primary punt returner while contributing to the wide receiver corps alongside Jefferson, Jordan Addison, and Jalen Nailor.
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