Converted Ex-Viking Joins Seahawks
The Minnesota Vikings are 7-2, something nobody expected just a couple of months ago. But Kevin O’Connell’s crew has overcome some adversity and convincingly beaten some excellent opponents, especially early in the season. That journey of the 2024 season started with the players arriving for training camp in July.
Converted Ex-Viking Joins Seahawks
Part of that group was former Patriots first-rounder N’Keal Harry, who the Vikings moved from his wideout position to the tight end room. At the end of the preseason, Harry was released and re-signed to the practice squad. Minnesota ended his stint on the practice squad in October, but the veteran has found a new team.
Harry was signed to Seattle’s practice squad, the team announced on their official website: “Additionally, tight end N’Keal Harry was signed to the practice squad.”
The tight end entered the league in 2019 ‒ as a wideout. Tom Brady’s Patriots desperately needed receiver help, but the first-round rookie didn’t move the needle. Furthermore, he became a massive bust for New England, catching only 57 passes for 598 yards and four touchdowns until the Patriots released him after three seasons.
He then had a stint with the Bears, but seven catches for 116 yards and one score were once again disappointing. In 2023, he signed with the Vikings and appeared in nine games but couldn’t register a single catch.
In June of 2024, ESPN’s Kevin Seifert mentioned on X: “An interesting personnel idea that came to light today: The Vikings still list N’Keal Harry as a WR, but he is working with the tight ends to see if he can contribute there. A former No. 1 pick of the Patriots, Harry is listed at 6-4, 225 lbs.”
That was the first time a move to tight end was reported in any way. He worked all offseason and in training camp with the tight ends. In the preseason, he showed some flashes, but it was ultimately not enough to make the roster over depth tight ends Nick Muse and Johnny Mundt.
In his college days, the Arizona State alumnus recorded a pair of 1,000-yard seasons and caught 22 touchdowns in his three collegiate campaigns. A physical receiver standing 6-4 and 225 pounds, Harry lacked the requisite quickness and route-running ability to excel at the next level, but his body type is intriguing for a tight end.
Regardless, it’s always a long shot to thrive at a new position. The Seahawks employ four tight ends on the 53-man roster: AJ Barner, Pharaoh Brown, Noah Fant, and Brady Russell. Harry is one of two tight ends on the practice squad, sharing the room with Tyler Mabry.
In six seasons since his draft, Harry has played in 49 games (18 starts) and tabulated 64 receptions for 714 yards and five touchdowns.
Harry will turn 27 in December.
Editor’s Note: Information from Pro Football Reference helped with this article.
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Janik Eckardt is a football fan who likes numbers and stats. The Vikings became his favorite team despite their quarterback at the time, Christian Ponder. He is a walking soccer encyclopedia, loves watching sitcoms, and prefers Classic rock over other genres. Follow him on Twitter if you like the Vikings: @JanikEckardt