The Seattle Seahawks have released former first-round pick N’Keal Harry from their practice squad as part of a series of roster moves ahead of their crucial NFC West matchup with the Arizona Cardinals on December 8, 2024.

Harry, selected by the New England Patriots with the 32nd overall pick in the 2019 NFL Draft out of Arizona State, had transitioned to tight end ahead of the 2024 season. Prior to joining the Seahawks on November 11, Harry spent time on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad this year.

The move to release Harry was made to make space for undrafted rookie center Mike Novitsky, who rejoined the Seahawks after a brief stint with the team following the 2024 NFL Draft. Novitsky had been released before the preseason but was signed back after spending several months without a team. Additionally, the Seahawks re-signed defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna to the practice squad, filling the spot left by defensive lineman Myles Adams, who was promoted to the Detroit Lions’ active roster.

The 7-5 Seahawks will square off against the 6-6 Cardinals in a vital NFC West game this Sunday in Arizona.

Harry’s Position Switch and Time with the Vikings

In June, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell revealed that Harry was shifting from wide receiver to tight end. The 26-year-old had spent parts of the 2023 season on the Vikings’ practice squad and showed enthusiasm for the change. “N’Keal is really fired up about it,” O’Connell said. “He has attacked the process… We’re hoping to develop a guy who can be a real third-down weapon, red-zone weapon.”

Despite his excitement and efforts, Harry’s time with the Vikings did not pan out. He played in three preseason games, recording 4 receptions for 60 yards on 7 targets, but failed to make the final 53-man roster. He was subsequently cut from the Vikings’ practice squad on October 21.

 

Seahawks’ Tight End Depth

With Harry’s release, the Seahawks now have just one tight end on their practice squad, Tyler Mabry, who joined Seattle as an undrafted free agent from Maryland in 2020. Mabry, who has one career NFL catch (a touchdown), has spent time on the Seahawks’ active roster this season. The team currently has four tight ends on the active roster: Noah Fant, AJ Barner, Pharaoh Brown, and Brady Russell.

Harry’s Career Overview

Harry, who turns 27 this month, has struggled to establish himself in the NFL. After three seasons with the Patriots, his best year came in 2020, when he caught 33 passes for 309 yards and 2 touchdowns. In total, Harry has recorded 64 receptions for 714 yards and 5 touchdowns. Following a trade to the Chicago Bears in 2022, Harry played seven games but recorded only 7 catches for 116 yards and 1 touchdown. He did not register any offensive stats in 2023 during his time with the Vikings.

Harry has not caught an NFL pass since 2022 and will now be looking for a new opportunity to continue his professional career.