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Ryan Wright Reflects on Vikings Departure
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- Ryan Wright Reflects on Vikings Departure
Ryan Wright Reflects on Vikings Departure
(© Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images)
Former Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright knew the NFL was unforgiving, but that didn't make leaving the organization that gave him his first opportunity any easier.
After spending the first four seasons of his professional career in Minnesota, Wright is beginning a new chapter with the New Orleans Saints . While speaking with reporters, the former Vikings punter admitted the transition was emotional, even if it was part of the business.
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"It's a tough business, right? No one wants to leave the place that they started their career at, but it happens. Happens to everyone. I'm just happy that the Saints gave me this opportunity. I'm excited to build a home here and be part of this culture," Wright said.
Wright entered the league as an undrafted free agent out of Tulane in 2022 and quickly established himself as Minnesota's starting punter. His consistency and powerful leg helped him hold the job for four seasons before the Vikings opted to go in a different direction this offseason.
Rather than bringing the veteran back, Minnesota signed veteran Johnny Hekker to a one-year contract worth $1.5 million including $1.3 fully guaranteed and a $188 thousand signing bonus. The move brings one of the most accomplished punters of his generation to Minnesota.
Hekker arrives with a decorated résumé that includes four Pro Bowl selections, four First-Team All-Pro honors, two Second-Team All-Pro selections and a spot on the NFL 2010s All-Decade Team. He also owns the NFL record for highest net punting average in a season at 46.0 yards and was responsible for the longest punt in Super Bowl history with a 65-yard boot in Super Bowl LIII. Most recently, Hekker spent the 2025 season with the Tennessee Titans .
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While the Vikings chose experience over potential, the Saints saw enough in Wright to make a significant investment in the 26-year-old specialist. New Orleans signed him to a four-year, $14.8 million contract that includes $8 million in guaranteed money, indicating a belief that he can stabilize the position for years to come.
For Wright, the opportunity is more than just a new contract. It's a chance to establish himself with a new franchise while embracing a fresh environment as he returns to the state of Louisiana.
His comments reflected both his appreciation for the time he spent in Minnesota and excitement about what's ahead in the Big Easy. Wright will now look to fulfill the Saints' faith in him as he begins the next chapter of his professional career.
