Intense Punter Competition Emerges at Minnesota Vikings Training Camp

The Minnesota Vikings are facing some fierce position battles as training camp kicks off in Eagan. Everyone knows about the QB battle between Sam Darnold and JJ McCarthy. But surprisingly, one of the most intense job battles could be at punter, between Ryan Wright and Seth Vernon.

Ryan Wright has held the punter position for the Minnesota Vikings for the past two seasons. However, following a disappointing performance last season, the team has brought in free agent punter Seth Vernon. Vernon has spent some time with the Atlanta Falcons and played college ball at Portland State.

Minnesota Vikings punter competition: Ryan Wright vs Seth Vernon

According to Alec Lewis of The Athletic, Vikings fans should keep an eye out for a possible change at the punter position this season. Vernon and Wright are fiercely competing in training camp, making the race for the starting spot one to watch.

Ryan Wright and Seth Vernon seem to be in the thick of a punting competition. The Vikings have given them equal reps, and Vernon, who went undrafted in 2023 out of Portland State, certainly has a strong enough leg.

One note: Wright has been the primary holder for kicker Will Reichard throughout the spring and summer, and that’s no small job. Each player dropped in a couple of nice punts Tuesday that parachuted inside the 10.

Alec Lewis – The Athletic

Lewis points out that Wright has also been serving as the ball holder for place kicker Will Reichard, which is no easy task and could earn him some extra points during this training camp competition. However, it’s also noted that Vernon has a very strong leg and might overtake Wright as the starter.

Related: Another Undrafted Rookie Linebacker is Turning Heads at Vikings Training Camp

Vernon appeared to outdistance Wright with his kicks, but accuracy is crucial. It will be interesting to see which direction the Vikings take at punter, and if the upcoming preseason games play into their final decision.