The Minnesota Vikings and wide receiver Jarius Wright have agreed to terms on a four-year, $14.8 million extension, with $7 million guaranteed, according to NFL Media's Ian Rapoport. The deal was confirmed in a statement from the Vikings.
Vikings sign WR Jarius Wright to 4-year, $14.8 million extension
The wide receiver will get $7 million in guaranteed money.
Bruce Kluckhohn-USA TODAY Sports
“Jarius has been a key member of our offense since we drafted him in 2012 and we felt it was necessary to secure his future with our organization,” general manager Rick Spielman said in the statement. “His commitment to this team, hard work and leadership in the WR room are several of the intangibles that he brings to our club on a daily basis and we’re excited for his future with the Vikings.”
Wright has one more season left on the four-year, $2.5 million rookie deal he signed with the Vikings after being selected by the team in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft. His extension will keep him in Minnesota through the 2019-‘20 season.
Wright, who spent four seasons at Arkansas, is coming off his best season in which he set career highs in catches (42) and receiving yards (588). Last year Wright spent most of his time lined up outside. This season, after Minnesota's acquisition of Mike Wallace and the emergence of Charles Johnson last year, Wright is expected to move into the slot.
“I’m very comfortable in my role. The way we move the ball around to different people, I think I’ll definitely have a chance to make some plays,” Wright said last week, via the Minnesota Pioneer Press. “We have a lot of receivers that can play anywhere. If they need somebody to come in and me to move outside, I can do that. Or vice-versa. It definitely makes it hard to defend and game-plan for, for the simple fact that you just depend or expect this guy to be in the same place every time.”
Wright and Vikings quarterback Teddy Bridgewater developed a strong chemistry last season, as evidenced by the 87-yard game-winning touchdown the two connected on in overtime against the Jets. Wright is considered one of the more underrated receivers in the league. Locking him up should help ease Bridgewater’s continued transition into the NFL.
The Vikings open their season Monday night in San Francisco where they'll face the 49ers.
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