Ex-New England Patriots receiver who was brutally cut lands on Minnesota Vikings practice squad after changing position

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N’KEAL Harry has re-signed with the Minnesota Vikings practice squad just hours after being released by the franchise.

The former New England Patriots wideout was initially cut by the Vikings on August 27.

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N’Keal Harry in action for the Minnesota Vikings last season[/caption]

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The former wideout was drafted in the first round by the New England Patriots in 2019[/caption]

Harry converted from wide receiver to tight end over the offseason.

The 26-year-old joined Minnesota from the Chicago Bears in 2023 but failed to start a single NFL game last season.

He was released by the Vikings on Monday as the franchise finalized their 53-man roster ahead of the new season.

But Harry was back in the building on Wednesday as Minnesota announced he would remain on their practice squad.

Vikings coach Kevin O’Connell confirmed in June the former first-round pick would be transitioning to tight end.

“N’Keal is really fired up about it,” O’Connell said.

“He has attacked the process, long before we even got started in the offseason program.

“But you’re hoping to see the receiving traits lead the way early on, as they get a little more comfort in maybe having their hand down, being a part of run schemes, the different kind of run schemes that we’re implementing, and N’Keal has shown that.

“At this stage in his career a position change is unique, but we’re hoping we’re developing a guy who can be a real third-down weapon, red-zone weapon, with his skill set.”

The Vikings look set to keep Harry in the practice squad as a potential backup to star tight end TJ Hockenson.

Harry was selected as the No. 32 overall pick by the Patriots in 2019.

The Arizona State wideout was the first wide receiver ever drafted by legendary coach Bill Belichick during his 24-year tenure with the Pats.

But Harry failed to live up to high expectations in Foxborough, catching just 12 passes in his rookie season.

He started 9 games for the Patriots in his second NFL year, putting up career numbers with 303 receiving yards and 2 touchdowns.

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Harry was traded to the Bears for a seventh-round draft pick in July 2022.

He struggled with an ankle injury in Chicago, featuring in seven games across the 2022 season but catching just 7 passes.

The Vikings took a chance on Harry last summer, with the Canadian bouncing around between the practice squad and the main roster.

His move to tight end this summer came after signing a reserve/future contract in January.

Since entering the league five years ago, Harry has earned  $10,767,148, per Over The Cap.

The Vikings begin the new NFL season with a visit to MetLife Stadium and the New York Giants on September 8.