Breaking News: Vikings Secure CB Nahshon Wright with Futures Deal, Cut WR Trishton Jackson
In a move signaling both short- and long-term goals for the Minnesota Vikings, the team has announced that they have signed cornerback Nahshon Wright to a futures contract, while simultaneously parting ways with wide receiver Trishton Jackson. This decision comes as part of the Vikings’ ongoing effort to shape their roster for the future and solidify their defensive and offensive units ahead of the upcoming season.
Wright, a cornerback with significant upside, will join the Vikings with a futures contract, which typically signifies a player being signed to the roster for the following season. The futures deal allows teams to retain rights to players who have spent time on practice squads or have been on the fringe of the main roster. In Wright’s case, this move could be seen as the Vikings betting on his potential to contribute in the secondary in the near future.
The 6’4″, 180-pound Wright was originally drafted by the Dallas Cowboys in the third round of the 2021 NFL Draft, but he struggled to find consistent playing time during his time in Dallas. Despite limited action in regular-season games, Wright’s physical traits and athleticism made him an intriguing prospect. Known for his length and ability to contest passes, Wright has shown flashes of potential in practices and preseason games, which likely caught the attention of the Vikings’ coaching staff. This signing suggests the Vikings believe Wright could be a developmental asset who might contribute down the road, especially with their defense being a point of focus for improvement.
On the other side of the transaction, the Vikings’ decision to part ways with Trishton Jackson marks a tough but necessary move in their quest for roster optimization. Jackson, a wide receiver who has had limited opportunities to shine on the field, will now need to seek another opportunity to continue his NFL career. After going undrafted in 2020, Jackson had been on the Vikings’ practice squad and showed flashes of promise in training camp. However, with the Vikings already possessing a strong wide receiver corps, including stars like Justin Jefferson and Adam Thielen, Jackson found it difficult to carve out a consistent role on the active roster.
The Vikings’ decision to release Jackson and move forward with Wright signals that they are prioritizing depth in the secondary as they look ahead to the 2025 season. Minnesota’s defense has had its share of struggles in recent years, and the team has made it clear they intend to focus on strengthening this unit to compete with high-powered offenses in the NFC North. Wright’s size and potential as a cover corner could give the Vikings a versatile option to rotate in the defensive backfield, where they have been searching for stability.
As for Jackson, the former Syracuse standout will now have to prove himself elsewhere in the league. While his NFL opportunities have been limited so far, his time with the Vikings’ practice squad has allowed him to develop and refine his skills. Jackson’s release is not necessarily an indication of failure, but rather a byproduct of the highly competitive nature of the NFL, where roster spots are precious, and every player must continually prove themselves to earn a place.
Looking ahead, both Wright and Jackson face different paths. Wright’s future with the Vikings hinges on his ability to adapt to their system and potentially compete for a spot on the active roster in the coming seasons. His signing to a futures deal gives him a chance to continue developing in a new environment. For Jackson, while his release may feel like a setback, it could open up doors for new opportunities with other teams looking for depth at the wide receiver position.
Overall, the Vikings’ moves highlight their strategy of building a competitive and deep roster by making smart, calculated decisions. The signing of Nahshon Wright could provide valuable long-term benefits to the defense, while the release of Trishton Jackson, though difficult, represents a logical step in the team’s ongoing effort to refine their roster and pursue greater success in the seasons ahead. Fans and analysts alike will be closely watching to see how these moves impact the Vikings’ overall trajectory as they prepare for the 2025 NFL season.
