Minnesota Vikings wide receiver Jarius Wright has just signed a four-year extension worth $14.8 million, according to Vikings.com.
Ian Rapoport was one of the first to report the signing, and it has been confirmed by the team's website. Wright had a career best season last year with 42 catches and 588 receiving yards. Against the Jets last season, Wright had an 87-yard-game-winning touchdown reception in overtime. Wright was drafted by the Vikings in the fourth round of the 2012 NFL Draft.
Since entering the league, his numbers have continually risen in both receptions and yards. The Vikings got their hopeful franchise quarterback last season with Teddy Bridgewater. In his rookie season, Bridgewater threw 14 touchdowns to 12 interceptions. Bridgewater and Wright will likely look to make a stronger connection in their second season together.
The Vikings are loaded with talent at the receiver position. Mike Wallace, Charles Johnson and Cordarrelle Patterson will also be looking to catch passes from Bridgewater this season, but with a diverse group of talented receivers, Bridgewater will have his choice of targets. Wright getting a four-year extension likely means that he is in the offense's plans, and don't be surprised to see him get a couple looks on Monday night against the San Francisco 49ers. But Wright wasn't the only player to get a contract extension Thursday.
Carolina Panthers linebacker Luke Kuechly is close to reaching a contract extension that will average $12.4 million per year, according to NFL reporter Rand Getlin.
Once the deal has become official, Kuechly will be the highest paid inside linebacker in the history of the NFL. The deal is reportedly a five year $62 million contract extension. Kuechly was the 2013 Defensive Player of the Year for the NFL, and has been a beast since entering the league.
Kuechly will be entering his fourth year in the league, and in every season, he has posted more than 150 tackles combined. He has seven interceptions and four fumbles recovered in three seasons with the Panthers. Kuechly is all over the field during games, and he has a tremendous impact on their defense. The Panthers were smart to lock up this talent, as Kuechly is likely to be a name in the league for years to come.
