The Seattle Seahawks have released former first-round pick N’Keal Harry from their practice squad as part of roster adjustments ahead of their NFC West matchup against the Arizona Cardinals on December 8, 2024.
Harry, originally selected by the New England Patriots with the 32nd pick of the 2019 NFL Draft out of Arizona State as a wide receiver, made the transition to tight end before the 2024 season. Earlier this year, Harry spent time on the Minnesota Vikings’ practice squad before joining the Seahawks on November 11.
The move was made to clear space for undrafted rookie center Mike Novitsky, as reported by John Boyle of Seahawks.com. Novitsky had previously signed with the Seahawks after the 2024 NFL Draft but was released prior to the preseason. He had been unsigned until rejoining the team. Additionally, the Seahawks brought defensive tackle Quinton Bohanna back to their practice squad, filling the vacancy created when defensive lineman Myles Adams was promoted to the Detroit Lions’ active roster.
Currently 7-5, the Seahawks are preparing for a critical NFC West showdown with the 6-6 Cardinals in Arizona this Sunday.
N’Keal Harry’s Transition to Tight End Began With the Vikings
In June, Minnesota Vikings head coach Kevin O’Connell announced Harry’s position change from wide receiver to tight end. Harry had joined the Vikings’ practice squad in 2023 and was adapting to his new role.
“N’Keal is really fired up about it. He has attacked the process long before we even started the offseason program,” O’Connell told reporters, per NBC Sports. “You’re hoping to see the receiving traits lead the way early on as they get more comfortable in having their hand down and being a part of different run schemes. N’Keal has shown that.”
O’Connell also noted that while a position change at this stage in Harry’s career was unusual, the team hoped he could develop into a valuable third-down or red-zone weapon.
Despite his efforts, the transition did not work out for the 26-year-old. Harry played in three preseason games for the Vikings, recording four catches on seven targets for 60 yards. However, he failed to make the Vikings’ 53-man roster and spent seven weeks on their practice squad before being released on October 21.
With Harry’s departure, the Seahawks now have one tight end, Tyler Mabry, on their practice squad. Mabry, an undrafted free agent from Maryland in 2020, has one NFL catch—a touchdown on December 31, 2022. He has also spent time on the Seahawks’ active roster this season. The team currently has four tight ends — Noah Fant, AJ Barner, Pharaoh Brown, and Brady Russell — on their active roster.
Harry Has Not Caught an NFL Pass Since 2022
Harry, who turns 27 this month, appeared in nine games for the Vikings in 2023 but did not record any offensive stats. In 2022, while with the Chicago Bears, Harry played in seven games as a reserve wide receiver, catching seven passes for 116 yards and a touchdown.
After spending three seasons with the Patriots, Harry’s best campaign came in 2020, when he tallied 33 receptions for 309 yards and two touchdowns. Over his NFL career, he has recorded 64 catches for 714 yards and five touchdowns.
The Patriots traded Harry to the Bears in July 2022 in exchange for a seventh-round pick, according to ESPN.