As the Rams bid farewell to a few players from their Super Bowl LVI-winning team, Brandon Powell will rejoin some of the coaches who were part of that squad.
The Vikings are signing the veteran receiver/return specialist, Adam Schefter of ESPN.com tweets.
Powell’s Minnesota move will feature reunions with Vikings HC Kevin O’Connell and OC Wes Phillips, each of whom being ex-Sean McVay lieutenants. It is a one-year agreement.
Although Powell bounced around early in his career, he spent the past two seasons as the Rams’ primary return man. The ex-Florida Gator handled kick- and punt-return responsibilities for the Rams, taking a punt back for a score during the 2021 season.
The 5-foot-8 receiver has not contributed much in the passing game, though he does present some gadget options for O’Connell. The Rams gave Powell 17 carries, which he turned into 80 yards, last season. Powell added 24 receptions for 156 yards in 2022.
Minnesota used Jalen Reagor as its full-time punt returner last season. Reagor remains under contract; the ex-Eagle first-rounder also fumbled four times during his Vikings debut.
Kene Nwangwu, the team’s primary kick returner in 2022, is also signed to his rookie deal. Nwangwu posted a 97-yard kick-return score last season.
The Rams have moved on from a few contributors this offseason. They released Bobby Wagner and Leonard Floyd, and cornerback David Long signed with the Raiders on Wednesday.
Defensive tackle Greg Gaines signed with the Buccaneers. A’Shawn Robinson remains unattached, but he has visited the Giants. Ditto Taylor Rapp, who has met with the Patriots and Bengals.
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