On Monday, at the beginning of the legal tampering period, the Minnesota Vikings lost two contributors from recent years. Wideout Jalen Nailor departed, which was certainly expected given Minnesota’s WR hierarchy and his price tag. Less expected was the exit of punter Ryan Wright.
ESPN’s Adam Schefter tweeted out of nowhere, “Another big punter deal: Former Vikings punter Ryan Wright is signing a four-year, $14 million deal that includes $8 million guaranteed with the Saints, per source.”
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Wright was one of the league’s top punters in his fourth campaign in purple, ranking at or near the top in most punting statistics. The Vikings will miss his impact on punts, but perhaps even more crucial is the fact that kicker Will Reichard had to say goodbye to his holder.
Nov 23, 2025; Green Bay, Wisconsin, USA; Minnesota Vikings place kicker Will Reichard (16) reacts with punter Ryan Wright (17) after kicking a field goal against the Green Bay Packers during the first half at Lambeau Field. Mandatory Credit: Kayla Wolf-Imagn ImagesReichard’s kicking excellence was the one bright spot in Minnesota’s underwhelming 2025 campaign. Though he was snubbed from the Pro Bowl for Cowboys kicker Brandon Aubrey, Reichard earned his spot on the All-Pro team.
His numbers were mind-blowing, going 31 of 31 on extra points and 33 of 35 on field goals. His misses are so rare that they spark controversy. We’re unlikely to ever fully resolve Wiregate.
Part of a functioning kicking battery, of course, is a talented kicker. The Vikings check that box with the 2024 6th-rounder, who set the record for the most points in a college career. Through two seasons, Reichard has lived up to his draft spot and then some.
But he’s not alone. A kicker needs a long snapper and a punter and neither has been re-signed. Long snapper Andrew DePaola, the most decorated long snapper ever, with four All-Pro nominations (twice 1st-team) and three Pro Bowls on his résumé, is still out there.
Wright, however, has been signed by the Saints.
Sep 21, 2025; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings kicker Will Reichard (16) attempts a field goal as. punter Ryan Wright (17) hold against the Cincinnati Bengals during the first half at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-Imagn ImagesEven if DePaola returns and continues to hit his precise snaps and Reichard continues to hit the ball accurately, one variable is guaranteed to change. The saying “never change a running system” applies here. If a kicker is hitting, there shouldn’t be any changes. No variable should ever be touched, whether that is the long snapper, the holder, or his own mechanics.
That idea is now kaput and the Vikings need to find someone else with holding experience and hope he can build a connection with Reichard in the six months between now and the season opener. Last year, the Vikings held a punting competition in training camp. Rookie Oscar Chapman looked like a real threat to Wright’s throne, but he bungled a hold in the preseason and was axed days later. Wright prevailed and the kicking game thrived.
Special teams continuity is often overlooked, but timing and trust between snapper, holder, and kicker can influence close-game outcomes. Any disruption introduces uncertainty — even for elite kickers. Minnesota could pursue a veteran punter with holding experience, or reopen competition during training camp.
Besides his holding skills, the Vikings will miss Mr. Wright, as special teams coach Matt Daniels calls him.
Nov 10, 2024; Jacksonville, Florida, USA; Minnesota Vikings punter Ryan Wright (17) punts the ball against the Jacksonville Jaguars in the second quarter at EverBank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Jeremy Reper-Imagn Images.According to PFF, Wright sported a strong 81.3, ranking him 6th of 32 eligible punters. Of 32 punters with at least 25 punts in 2025, Wright ranked in the top 10 in average yards per punt, net average, punts inside the 20, hangtime and he also had the longest punt of the season (77 yards). Furthermore, he posted a low touchback rate and a high fair-catch percentage.
His 2025 season was outstanding and his new contract reflects that. He’s still only 25 years old.
Wright initially signed with the Vikings in the 2022 offseason as an undrafted rookie out of Tulane. He won the punting competition against incumbent veteran Jordan Berry and has never looked back. Though he struggled a little in 2023 and 2024, his fourth season in purple was phenomenal.
The Vikings will miss him and let’s hope they find someone who can hold the ball for Mr. Reichard. For the first time in years, the Vikings had a strong kicking game and it would be a shame if anything changes.
Editor’s Note: Information from PFF, Over The Cap, and Sports Reference helped with this article.