Another wide receiver has officially hit the market. According to the Minnesota Vikings official Twitter page, the team has parted ways with wide receiver Jarius Wright. Wright appeared in all 16 games in 2017, finishing his season with 18 receptions for 198 yards.

Report: Jarius Wright Released by Minnesota Vikings

Wright’s release doesn’t come as much of a surprise following 2017’s poor production. The Arkansas product signed a four-year, $14.8 million dollar contract prior to the 2015 season, and hadn’t been playing up to that value. Minnesota opens up $2.64 million dollars by releasing Wright, per OverTheCap.

Wright began his career as a fourth-round selection of the Minnesota Vikings in the 2012 NFL Draft. His rookie season was limited to just seven games and one start, but he flashed potential to make Minnesota believe they landed something special. Wright was drafted to be a burner, and his speed led to a 65-yard reception against the Green Bay Packers and a 54-yard reception against the Detroit Lions. With those two plays, Wright accounted for the two longest receptions on the 2012 Vikings squad.

Wright built on his rookie season for the next two years and looked like a solid third receiver. From 2013-2014, Wright recorded a combined 66 receptions for 1,022 yards and five touchdowns despite poor quarterback play.

While these weren’t Pro Bowl numbers by any means, Wright’s play continued to improve year after year. Because of this, the Vikings rewarded Wright with a four-year contract extension prior to the 2015 season.

Unfortunately, his production has decreased steadily since his 42-catch, 588-yard campaign in 2014. While his 2015 was fine, Wright has struggled to produce over the last two seasons. Since 2016, Wright has recorded just 29 receptions for only 260 yards and three touchdowns. This is the first time in Wright’s six-year career that he’s been on the open market, as his previous contract extension occurred with one year left on his rookie deal.

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