The Unheralded Vikings Player Moving Toward Meatier Money
Originally, punter Ryan Wright became a Vikings player after the 2022 NFL Draft.
The undrafted talent had an up-and-down initial three seasons. A sizzling rookie season was followed by a sophomore slump. He then had a mixed third season before earning a new deal to remain in Minnesota for a fourth season. The $1.75M he demanded in 2025 represented a nice boost, but Mr. Wright is moving toward a nicer payday for 2026 and beyond.
The Vikings Player Moving Toward an Extension
At the beginning of the week, head coach Kevin O’Connell had good things to say of the specialist, specifically bringing him up to begin his Monday press conference.
To be sure, there’s good reason to step away impressed.
The 25-year-old specialist punted five times for 252 yards. The average thus came in at an impressive 50.4 yards per punt, limiting Seattle to 43 return yards. A pair of his punts landed inside the 20 and he had a long of 60 yards. Essentially, a strong performance in a season with several strong performances from Wright.
Indeed, the season numbers are impressive.
Mr. Wright is averaging a career-best 48.9 yards per punt. The net-yards-per-punt average is also a career best with the number coming in at 44.6 yards. He has a 77 punt for the season, the longest he has had within his career. As for touchbacks, there’s just a single example. He has 19 punts that have landed inside the 20.
So, a nice season for Wright.
Do note that some of the improvement isn’t just him. The gunner twosome of Tai Felton and Tavierre Thomas are excellent. Pretty routinely, those two scamper down the field in a hurry, quickly getting onto the toes of the returner. Doing so makes it very challenging for even dangerous, shifty returners to get open room to make a play.
Bringing Ryan Wright back is going to involve locking in compensation that comes in a decent amount ahead of what he’s currently demanding.
The NFL’s top punters demand an annual average sitting at roughly $4 million per season — Seattle’s Michael Dickson and Jacksonville’s Logan Cooke. There’s then close to ten punters at $3 million per season or higher alongside several more at $2 million per season or higher.
At minimum, Wright appears likely to soar into the high-$2 million range. Quite possibly, Wright could get into the $3 million or more range since he’s very likely one of the NFL’s top-ten punters who appears to still be ascending in his game.
As things stand, the core Vikings problems have to do with J.J. McCarthy, Justin Jefferson, and the roster that’s not fulfilling expectations. Much more positive is the problem where Minnesota needs to turn over the couch cushions since a player’s play has been so good that he fully deserves a raise.
Ryan Wright and the Vikings will be taking on the Washington Commanders on Sunday. If you opt out in favor of a Sunday afternoon nap, few could offer blame. Just swing by PurplePTSD afterwards to get your game recap, analysis, and info.
Oh, and another thing: keep an eye on the punter if you do watch the game. Mr. Wright is putting together a strong season.
