(Article: Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright said the Vikings were using him for practice reps because he was trying to make the team. Therefore, he is a practice squad player. This is a common occurrence in the NFL. However, he did not like the fact that the Vikings decided to keep another receiver, who was not even on the active roster. While many fans and media outlets claim that Wright is a bust and the team should cut him, he is receiving interest from the Cleveland Browns. Wright may want to consider the fact that he has a chance to play this year if the Browns decide to bring him in. However, even if the Vikings cut him, he has a chance to catch on with another team.
Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright is currently a free agent, and he recently took to Twitter to voice his opinions on the team’s decision to release him in February. Here’s what he had to say.
Getty
Jarius Wright recently called on the Vikings to re-sign him.
The Minnesota Vikings haven’t had a reliable third wide receiver since 2017, when they reached the NFC title game.
While it’s true that the Vikings often underuse their third-receiver offense, a third receiver who can take advantage of mismatches could help improve Minnesota’s third-down conversion rate, which ranks 16th (40.9 percent) in 2020.
Coincidentally, the man who rounded out Adam Thielen and Stefon Diggs in 2017 recently called on the Vikings to re-sign him: Jarius Wright.
Get the latest Vikings news delivered straight to your inbox! Sign up for the Heavy on Vikings newsletter here!
Heavy on the Vikings!
Take me back
Earlier this week, a fan tweeted that the Vikings needed a No. 3 wideout like Wright. Wright responded by quoting the tweet, adding: Or just take me back. Lol.
Or just take me back. Lol https://t.co/88W7RVp4Ip
– Jay Wright (@Jay_wright4) May 26, 2021
Wright, who played six seasons with the Vikings from 2012-17, has a reputation as a player who can come into contention for Minnesota.
Of Wright’s 18 receptions in 2017, 11 were first downs and two touchdowns. Seven catches were converted on third down.
In the Vikings locker room while Mr. Famous Clutch, Wright was also nicknamed Mr. by Teddy Bridgewater. Efficiency considered and praised by Diggs.
Sir, I want to thank you for your support. Jarius Wright, we call him Mr. Third Down, Stefon Diggs said after a 14-9 win over the Falcons in 2017, per Pioneer Press reporter Chris Thomasson. He does great things when he gets his hands on the ball. He gives us turnovers, we get turnovers, try to keep the ball and keep the movement.
Wright signed with the Carolina Panthers after the 2017 season to play for his hometown team. He played in all 32 games over the next two seasons, catching 71 passes for 743 yards and a touchdown. He also caught 43 balls in 2018.
Wright continued to play a solid role on the third line for the Panthers. His most vivid NFL memory is his 87-yard overtime game against the New York Jets in 2013.
Teddy Bridgewater – – -> Jarius Wright for an 87 move TD in OT! What a finish! What a game!!! #skol #minnesotavikings #minnesotavikingsfootball #nfl #vikings pic.twitter.com/TcTdTEinA9
– Climbing the Pocket (@Climb_ThePocket) May 31, 2020
He was not part of the team in the 2020 season and appears to have spent the year as a coach. Wright has probably lost a step after a year’s absence. Still, the Vikings may have considered a low-risk option.
Big Vikings fan? Follow the Heavy on Vikings Facebook page for the latest news, rumors and content from Skol Nation!
Wright is eligible to contract a free veteran
The Vikings have already rolled the dice with veteran receivers in free agency.
Last season, Minnesota signed Tajae Sharpe, who was the presumed No. 2 option after Thielen for the draft. The campaign of rookie Justin Jefferson kept Sharp on the bench, turning the initial hype surrounding his appointment into mere insurance. Sharp scored just three goals in 13 games before being fired.
Wright probably won’t have a real number 3 role on the team. But his experience and skills on the third line could come in handy, especially since Thielen and Jefferson are the only two proven wide receivers on the roster.
