Jarius Wright will follow his former offensive coordinator south, agreeing to terms with the Panthers. The Vikings cut Wright last week and were open to a reunion with him. But Wright will follow Norv Turner to Charlotte.
The Panthers have agreed to a three-year deal with Wright, Ian Rapoport of NFL.com reports (Twitter links), and will provide him with a $2MM signing bonus. The first year of this deal is worth $3.5MM with incentives, per Rapoport. Scott Fowler of the Charlotte Observer first reported a deal was imminent.
Wright follows Torrey Smith to Carolina, adding some veteran help for a young receiving corps that will see up-and-coming slot presence Curtis Samuel rehab from a season-ending injury this offseason. The Panthers also have veteran Russell Shepard under contract for 2018.
Minnesota released Wright but were open to having him back for a seventh season. However, the 28-year-old target opted for his first NFL agreement elsewhere instead. He pieced together a nice stretch from 2013-15, recording at least 430 receiving yards in each of those seasons. Wright posted a career-high 588 air yards in 2014 but regressed in the Vikings’ pecking order after Stefon Diggs and Adam Thielen‘s arrivals. He caught 18 passes for 198 yards and two touchdowns in 2017.
This is a good add for them. While he isnt a number 1 WR he can easily get the job done on 3rd down. Funchess 1, Smith 2 now him 3. Decent weapons for Newton especially if Olson stays healthy.
Wooo Pig!