REPORT: Minnesota Vikings Switch Former 1st-Round Pick To Tight End Day After Justin Jefferson Earns Extension

   

The Minnesota Vikings are changing a former first-round pick’s position from wide receiver to tight end. The Vikings announced the change a day after they gave Justin Jefferson an extension.

N'Keal Harry Minnesota Vikings

The Minnesota Vikings have a strong WR room

Minnesota Vikings, Justin Jefferson
Dec 31, 2023; Minneapolis, Minnesota, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Justin Jefferson (18) catches a pass against the Green Bay Packers in the third quarter at U.S. Bank Stadium. Mandatory Credit: Brad Rempel-USA TODAY Sports

The Vikings will have a solid receiver room of Jefferson, Jordan Addison, Brandon Powell, Jalen Nailor, Trent Sherfield Sr., Trushton Jackson, Lucky Jackson, Thomas Thayer, and a few other players competing for a roster spot in training camp.

One name missing from that list is N’Keal Harry. The New England Patriots’ 2019 first-round pick signed with the Vikings in 2023. He recorded 64 receptions for 714 yards and five touchdowns during his first four seasons in the league with the Patriots and Chicago Bears.

Last season, Harry appeared in nine games but recorded no offensive stats. He hasn’t lived up to his first-round selection as a wide receiver.

N’Keal Harry is moving to tight end

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Oct 15, 2023; Chicago, Illinois, USA; Minnesota Vikings wide receiver N’Keal Harry (13) warms up before a game against the Chicago Bears at Soldier Field. Mandatory Credit: Jamie Sabau-USA TODAY Sports

Per Ari Meriov with the 33rd Team, the Vikings are moving Harry to tight end. Harry is “fired up” to play the new position.

Harry will compete with T.J. Hockenson, Josh Oliver, Johnny Mundt, Robert Tonyan, Trey Knox, Nick Muse, and Sammis Reyes for a roster spot at tight end during training camp.

NFL fans initial reaction to the news

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Chicago Bears wide receiver N’Keal Harry (8) GRAB SA 49-yard reception while being covered by Green Bay Packers cornerback Jaire Alexander (23) during the fourth quarter of their game Sunday, December 4, 2022 at Soldier Field in Chicago. The Green Bay Packers beat the Chicago Bears 28-19.
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