Ryan Wight, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Mark J. Rebilas-Imagn Images
NFL free agency is about to break the internet over the next couple of days. The Minnesota Vikings have clarified their stance on quarterback Sam Darnold. They also re-signed running back Aaron Jones. They’ll need to do some heavy lifting to cover roster holes as well.
On Sunday night general manager Kwesi Adofo-Mensah worked to address his empty specialist position. Kicker Will Reichard remains rostered on his rookie contract. Joining him for another year is punter Ryan Wright.
Ryan Wright back to Minnesota Vikings
Former Tulane Green Wave punter Ryan Wright has spent three seasons in the NFL. Each of those has been as a member of the Minnesota Vikings. NFL Insider Tom Pelissero reports that his fourth season will be wearing purple as well.
Punter news: The #Vikings and Ryan Wright agreed to terms on one-year, $1.75 million deal, per source. Wright, who was scheduled to be a restricted free agent, can earn up to $2M with incentives. pic.twitter.com/TnDrBayikn
— Tom Pelissero (@TomPelissero) March 10, 2025
The new deal is a nice raise for Wright, who has made $2.565 million over the first three years of his career. Should he max out his incentives in 2025, it’s possible he comes near that total in a single season.
Last offseason the Minnesota Vikings brought in some competition to push Wright into winning the job. He ultimately persevered and held down the role for the entire season.
Related: Minnesota Vikings Strike New Deal with Aaron Jones
In 2023 the biggest issue for Wright was field position. Although his 48.9 yards per punt was a career-high, he had an 11.9% touchback rate and landed just 28.8% of his kicks inside the 20 yard line. The script flipped in 2024 with a career-best 48.2% of his punts landing within the 20 yard line.
Ryan Wright, Minnesota Vikings
Credit: Shaun Brooks-Imagn Images
In an ideal world, the Minnesota Vikings would love to see Wright marry his 1.4% touchback rate from his rookie season, to the 48.2% of his punts that landed within the 20 yard line last year. The ability to pin back the opposing offense, while not bouncing the ball into the end zone, would be great. Last season he owned an 8.9% touchback rate.
Due to the Vikings offensive prowess with Sam Darnold at the helm, Wright was called on to punt just 56 times last year. That represents a career-low. His big leg resulted in a long of 66 yards.
ESPN’s Kevin Siefert has suggested that the new deal with Wright doesn’t preclude Minnesota from bringing in some competition. At the very least though, Wright is in a strong position to again win the job.
Mentioned in this article: NFL Free Agency Ryan Wright More About:Minnesota Vikings News