Lowly NFC Team Signs Patriots Draft Bust To Practice Squad

N’Keal Harry did not make the initial Vikings 53-man roster, but his NFL career won’t be cut short in 2024.

Minnesota on Wednesday brought the New England Patriots draft bust back onto its practice squad, per ESPN’s Kevin Seifert and The Athletic’s Alec Lewis. The signing came a day after the Vikings released the 26-year-old as part of cutdowns for their 53-man roster.

The Arizona State product played nine games for Minnesota last season but did not register a single stat. The 2019 first-round pick converted from a wide receiver to a tight end this offseason and was part of a platoon of pass-catchers who filled in for T.J. Hockenson, who will start the season on the physically unable to perform list as he recovers from a torn ACL and MCL. The Vikings are 35-1 to win the NFC, according to FanDuel Sportsbook.

Harry became an infamous figure among Patriots fans for not living up to his draft status in the three seasons he played in Foxboro, Mass. He was traded to the Chicago Bears during the 2022 season when his production — or lack thereof — remained the same. In five NFL seasons, Harry has 64 receptions off 112 targets for 714 receiving yards and five touchdowns.