Saints Sign Punter Ryan Wright to 4-Year Deal

New Orleans adds veteran special teams player to bolster their kicking game.

Published on Mar. 9, 2026

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The New Orleans Saints have agreed to sign free agent punter Ryan Wright to a 4-year, $14 million contract with $8 million in guarantees. Wright spent his first 4 NFL seasons with the Minnesota Vikings, where he established himself as one of the league's top punters, averaging a career-best 44.5 net yards per kick in 2025.

Why it matters

The Saints were looking to upgrade their special teams unit this offseason after Kai Kroeger handled punting duties in 2025. Wright's addition provides New Orleans with a proven, reliable punter who can flip field position and help their defense with strong kicks.

The details

Under the terms of the deal, Wright will make the move from Minnesota to New Orleans on a 4-year contract worth $14 million, including $8 million in guaranteed money. He has appeared in every game for the Vikings since joining the team and is coming off a 2025 season where he averaged a career-best 44.5 net yards per punt.

  • The Saints agreed to sign Ryan Wright in the early hours of the 2026 NFL free agent negotiating window on March 9, 2026.

The players

Ryan Wright

A 4-year NFL veteran punter who spent his first four seasons with the Minnesota Vikings.

Kai Kroeger

The Saints' punter in 2025 who will likely move on with the team's signing of Ryan Wright.

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What they’re saying

“The Saints landed a new punter in the early hours of the free agent negotiating window.”

— Adam Schefter, ESPN Reporter (nbcsports.com)

What’s next

The Saints will look to integrate Ryan Wright into their special teams unit during the offseason program and training camp as they prepare for the 2026 NFL season.

The takeaway

The Saints have made a significant investment in their punting game by signing Ryan Wright to a 4-year deal, signaling their commitment to improving field position and special teams play as they aim to build a well-rounded roster for the upcoming season.