WASHINGTON D.C. — Alex Erickson, a former Darlington and Wisconsin Badgers standout, will continue his NFL career after signing with the Washington Commanders, it was announced May 4. 

Erickson spent last season with the Carolina Panthers after being cut by the Houston Texans after the preseason. He was originally signed as an undrafted free agent by the Cincinnati Bengals in 2016, where he spent his first five seasons in the league.

Erickson has been primarily used as a returner in the NFL, leading the league in kick returns yards as a rookie in 2016. He has 2,729 kick return yards (24.8 ypr) in his 6-year career, and 1,278 punt return yards (8.1 ypr). Offensively he has caught 96 passes for 1,141 yards and a touchdown, and has 78 yards rushing on 18 carries. 

The NFL has released a partial schedule for this season, with opponents known for home and away games — however, dates for each game will be released by the NFL at 7 p.m. on May 12. Regular season games in the Midwest for the Commanders include contests at Chicago, Detroit and Indianapolis. Washington will host the Packers.